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Governors  Island 

Its  Military  History 
Undek  Three  Flags 

1637-1922 


BY 

EDMUND  BANKS  SMITH 

CHAPLAIN  ORG  GOVERNORS  ISLAND,  NEW  YORK  HARBOUR 


NEW  YORK 

VALENTINE'S  MANUAL  INC. 

1923 


F 


COPYRIGHTED 

1913 -1922 

BY  THE 

REVEREND  EDMUND   BANKS  SMITH 


Captain   in  the  Royal  American  Regiment.  60th  Foot 


Governors  Island 
1756 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DEDICATED  WITH  THE  REGARDS  OF  THE  AUTHOR 


Major-General  Robert  Lee  Bullard 
united  states  army 

COMMANDING  GENERAL,  Znd  CORPS  AREA 


Distinguished  in  the  World  War  as  Commander  first  of  the  2nd  Army 
then  of  the  3rd  corps  and  last  of  the  1st  division 


HE  WENT  TO   THE    SEAT  OF  WAR    WITH    THE  FIRST  CONTINGENT  OF 

AMERICAN  TROOPS  AND   REMAINED   IN  ACTIVE  OPERATION 

AGAINST  THE  ENEMY  FROM  THAT  TIME  UNTIL 

THE  CLOSE  OF  HOSTILITIES 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS 

Chapter  I.  Indian  and  Dutch  Period to   1674 

Pages  7-26 

Chapter        II.  English  Colonial  and  Revolutionary 

Period 1674-1783 

Pages  27-76 

Chapter      III.  Period  of  the  War  of  1812 1812-1815 

Pages  77-100 

Chapter      IV.  Mexican  and  Civil  War  Period.  . .  1846-1865 

Pages  loi-iio 

Chapter        V.  Garrison   Notes 1865-1913 

Pages  111-156 

Chapter      VI.  Ferry  Transportation  in  Four  Cen- 
turies   1637-1913 

Pages  157-166 

Chapter    VII.  The  New  York  Arsenal 1831-1913 

Pages  167-172 

Chapter  VIII.  Religious  Work  and  Influence. 

Pages  173-202 

Chapter      IX.  Governors  Island  Extension. 

Pages  203-208 

Chapter        X.  Regiments — Colonial,    Revolution- 
ary and  American 1755-1913 

Pages  209-226 

Chapter      XI.  Royal    American    Regiment — 60th 
Foot. 

Pages  227-240 

Epilogue 

Pages  241-244 


PREFACE 

IT  SEEMS  to  be  a  beneficent  arrangement  of  Nature  that  all 
great  harbours  are  provided  with  small  islands.  These 
serve  highly  important  purposes  as  breakwaters  or  stations  for 
various  official  uses,  and  especially  for  Army  and  Navy  pur- 
poses as  ship  yards  and  bases  for  defensive  works  and  military 
supplies. 

Thus  the  harbour  of  Rio  de  Janeiro  has  Lage  with  its 
forts — Cobras,  Santa  Barbara  and  others;  Naples,  its  Ischia 
and  Capri;  San  Francisco  has  Angel  Island  and  Alcatraz; 
St.  Petersburg,  Basil  and  Petropski  Islands;  Montreal,  St. 
Helen's  and  He  Ronde;  Manila  has  Corregidor,  our  Eastern 
Gibraltar;  and  Panama  in  the  South,  Naos,  Perico  and  Fla- 
menco. New  York  Harbour  is  well  provided  with  these 
friendly  aids  to  good  National  housekeeping,  which,  beginning 
with  the  lighthouse  islands  in  the  lower  bay,  and  including 
the  mighty  Richmond  with  its  quarantine  attendants,  sweep 
in  graceful  lines  through  the  curving  East  River  to  where  it 
debouches  into  the  open  Sound.  Among  these  sentries  which 
stand  on  guard  wherever  an  open  door  invites  attack  is  one, 
the  fairest  of  them  all,  the  "Smiling  Garden  of  the  Sovereigns 
of  the  Province,"  as  the  old  Colonial  Governors  used  to  call 
it,  which  in  its  long  career  has  done  more  smiling  than  frown- 
ing, the  subject  of  this  History,  Governors  Island. 

"Pagganck"  in  Indian  days,  "Nutten"  in  Colonial  Dutch 
and  "Governors"  in  English  and  American  occupation — by 
every  name  it  has  been  fair  and  sweet,  and  it  deserves  as  well 
of  the  future  as  it  has  served  well  the  past. 

Governors  Island  has  stood  in  four  centuries  for  that  which 
is  best  in  our  National  life.  It  has  represented  authority  and 
defense.     The  Dutch  and  English  before  us  regarded  it  as  a 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

source  of  influence  and  power.  Its  nearness  to  the  Metropolis 
gives  it  convenience;  its  isolation  bestows  dignity  and 
security.  In  addition  to  its  value  and  importance  in  time  of 
peace  for  the  preservation  of  civic  interests  and  in  war  for 
defense  as  a  centre  of  administration,  a  depot  for  supplies  and 
a  receiving  and  training  station,  a  value  may  be  mentioned 
which  as  a  principle  ranks  above  the  definite  purposes  already 
mentioned.  Historical  continuity  and  veneration  for  persons 
and  places  of  dignity  are  not  valued  as  they  should  be  by  the 
American  of  today.  It  is  needless  to  say  how  important 
these  considerations  are  for  the  higher  development  of  our 
National  life.  The  writer  does  not  know  of  any  one  place 
in  America  where  opportunities  for  developing  these  charac- 
teristics of  a  high  National  life  cluster  as  they  do  at 
Governors  Island. 

Here,  for  two  hundred  and  eighty-five  years,  since  Van 
Twiller  and  the  Indians  signed  their  Roman-Dutch  agreement, 
authority  has  held  the  keys ;  here,  for  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
six  years,  since  the  Royal  Americans  mounted  guard  in  1756, 
the  tramp  of  sentries  has  never  ceased;  here,  since  1783,  our 
flag  has  welcomed  and  dismissed  the  sun  each  day  at  reveille 
and  retreat;  here,  gallant  officers  and  fair  ladies  have  lived 
and  served  and  by  their  simple  devotion  to  God  and  country 
have  taught  to  others  that  great  silent  lesson  of  patriotism 
which  is  the  alphabet  of  the  Army;  here,  have  been  received 
with  dignified  respect  the  representatives  of  the  Powers  of 
every  land,  who  have  returned  to  their  homes  with  a  better 
opinion  of  America  because  in  seeing  our  greatest  Port  they 
have  seen  also  Governors  Island  with  all  it  represents.  Truly, 
this  island  has  served  well  the  State.  As  a  picture  of  our  Past, 
as  a  living  reality  in  our  Present,  for  the  development  of  our 
Future,  it  must  be  preserved  and  endowed  with  greater  power 
and  activity. 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISIvAND 

The  thought  is  not  mere  sentiment.  It  is  practical  patriot- 
ism. Our  people  need  the  object  lesson  which  this  military 
Station  in  New  York  can  furnish.  Washington  has  its  Cap- 
itol, a  picture  in  stone  and  iron  for  the  Nation.  New  York 
has  its  civic  and  mercantile  buildings  to  inspire  municipal 
pride  and  to  encourage  financial  enterprise.  Governors 
Island  is  the  one  point  in  our  vast  City  on  which  to  centre 
a  common  patriotism.  If  this  book  has  any  suggestion  in 
its  story  of  Governors  Island,  it  is  of  the  importance  of  pre- 
serving inviolate  this  spot  of  National  and  Municipal  inter- 
est, which  through  its  long  and  honoured  career  has  touched 
so  many  points  in  the  history  of  the  American  Army  and  of 
the  City  of  New  York,  and  which  today  is  a  reminder  to 
millions,  as  it  watches  o'er  the  Town,  that  the  eternal  vigilance 
of  the  Army  is  of  fullest  value  to  the  State  when  every  citizen 
is  a  patriot.     Semper  floreat. 

It  has  been  found  impossible  to  give  the  data  in  full  of 
every  organization  and  individual  stationed  here.  The  rec- 
ords available  are  incomplete,  and  if  they  were  not  so,  to 
transcribe  them  in  full  would  encumber  these  pages  with  a 
mass  of  details  and  not  carry  out  the  idea  of  the  writer, 
which  is  to  present  a  simple  picture  of  our  Island  in  four  cen- 
turies from  a  military  point  of  view,  with  such  touches  of 
social  life  as  can  be  gathered  from  various  sources. 


The  author  desires  to  express  his  thanks  to  a  number  of 
friends  for  aid  in  writing  this  History,  especially  to 
Brigadier-General  George  Andrews,  The  Adjutant-General 
of  the  Army,  and  to  Colonel  Herbert  J.  Slocum  for  valuable 
assistance,  and  to  Captain  Arthur  F.  Halpin  for  his  kindness 
in  preparing  the  illustrations. 

Governors  Island,  New  York  Harbour.     October,  1922. 


AUTHORITIES  CONSULTED 

(The  spelling  and  capitalization  in  original  papers,  orders  and  reports 

are   retained.)* 

Reference  is  made  in  the  following  pages  to  the  authorities 
mentioned,  with  the  acknowledgments  of  the  author : 

Manual  of  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of  New  York. 

Manual  of  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  New  York. 

Memorial  History  of  the  City  of  New  York  by  Gen'l  James 
Grant  Wilson. 

History  of  Trinity  Parish  in  the  City  of  New  York  by  the 
Rev'd  Morgan  Dix,  D.D.,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church. 

The  Story  of  the  Chapel  of  St.  Cornelius  the  Centurion,  Gov- 
ernor's Island,  by  Dr.  Dix. 

Historic  New  York,  Half  Moon  Series,  by  Blanche  W. 
Bellamy. 

Tompkins  Military  Papers,  by  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  Governor 
of  New  York  1807-1817. 

Journal — Legislative  Council  of  the  Colony  of  New  York. 

Colonial  History  of  the  State  of  New  York.    Brodhead. 

Medical  History  of  Governor's  Island,  by  Charles  Page,  Sur- 
geon, U.S.A.,  F.  W.  Elbrey,  Asst. 

Original  General  and  Special  Garrison  Order  Book,  1814-15. 

Colden  Papers.     Lt.-Governor  Colden. 

Clinton  Papers.     Governor  Clinton. 

Adjutant  General's  Department  Compilation. 

Circular  No.  8 — Surgeon  Genl's  Office. 

*  The  profuse  use  of  capital  letters  in  the  time  of  Washington,  as 
exhibited  in  some  of  the  Revolutionary  Orders  quoted  in  this  History, 
may  be  defended  on  the  ground  of  good  usage  at  the  period.  Benjamin 
Franklin,  as  late  as  1789,  laments  the  new  use  coming  then  into  vogue 
of  the  non-capitalization  of  the  initial  letters  of  all  nouns. 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

MSS.  Minutes  of  Common  Council  subsequent  to  1786,  in 
Library  of  City  Hall,  New  York. 

New  York  City  in  the  War  of  181 2.     Guernsey. 

Annals  of  the  King's  Royal  Rifles — Colonel  Lewis  Butler, 
King's  Royal  Rifles,  60th  Foot,  British  Army. 

Memorial  History  of  Staten  Island.     Colonel  Ira  K.  Morris. 

Historical  and  Statistical  Record  of  the  University  of  the 
State  of  New  York.     F.  B.  Hough. 

New  York  Historical  Society  Publications. 

Lee  Papers. 

Kemble's  Journal.  Lt.-Col.  Stephen  Kemble,  Royal  Amer- 
ican Regt. 

New  Amsterdam  and  its  People.     J.  H.  Innes. 

Valentine's  Manual. 

Lamb's  History  of  Old  New  York. 

Historical  Register  U.  S.  Army.     F.  B.  Heitman. 

Army  List — British  Forces,  1756,  &c.      (Official.) 

Old  New  York  by  Henry  Collins  Brown. 

The  Kelby  Notes.    , 

The  Author  is  indebted  to  the  New  York  Historical 
Society,  through  the  Librarian  Mr.  Wall,  for  permission  to 
use  the  Kelby  mss.  notes,  hitherto  unpublished.  Mr.  William 
Kelby,  the  late  distinguished  librarian  of  the  N.  Y.  Historical 
Society,  made  a  special  study  of  the  history  of  the  Islands 
in  New  York  Harbour  and  collected  many  interesting  facts, 
unknown  to  others.  Quotations  in  this  book  from  his  notes 
are  marked  K.  N. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Governors  Isi^and 
In  the  Indian  and  Dutch  Period 

Of  the  occupation  of  Governors  Island  by  the  Indians  Httle 
is  known  except  that  they  were  here  when  the  Dutch  arrived 
and  that  they  undoubtedly  enjoyed  its  quiet  retreats  as  suc- 
ceeding generations  of  Dutch,  English  and  American  resi- 
dents have  done.  That  they  were  ready  to  part  with  it  for 
what  they  deemed  a  fair  consideration  is  evident  from  the 
deed  of  sale,  as  recorded,  to  Governor  Wouter  Van  Twiller 
in  1637,  and  when  we  reflect  that  the  Indians  of  Manahatas 
parted  with  their  Island  to  Minuit,  Governor  and  Director- 
General  of  New  Netherland,  for  sixty  guilders  (twenty-four 
dollars),  we  must  conclude  that  they  made  a  shrewd  bargain 
with  Van  Twiller  for  Governors  Island.  The  Indian  name 
for  the  Island  was  "Pagganck,"  referring  to  the  groves  of 
hickory,  oak  and  chestnut  trees  with  which  it  was  well 
covered. 

The  Dutch  rendered  this  name  by  "Nutten,"  and  it  was  so 
called  till  the  late  Dutch  and  even  the  early  English  Colonial 
period,  the  term  "Nutten,"  lingering  in  some  cases  into  the 
Revolutionary  times,  although  the  nut  trees  that  gave  it  that 
name  had  doubtless  disappeared  under  the  influence  of  the 
famous  saw  mill  of  which  mention  is  frequently  made  in  early 
times.  The  name  of  the  Island  was  officially  changed  from 
"Nutten"  to  "Governors"  by  Act  of  Legislature,  March  29, 
1784. 

That  the  Dutch  had  really  a  right  to  hold  New  York  is 
denied  by  Dr.  Dix  in  his  History  of  Trinity  Church  (Vol.  i, 
p.  21),  in  which  he  points  out  that  "the  Dutch  had  no  right 
by  virtue  of  discovery,  for  the  River  and  the  Bay  had  been 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

well  known  since  Verrazano's  voyage  in  1524.  They  had  no 
rights  by  virtue  of  Charter:  three  years  before  the  voyage  of 
Hudson  *  *  *  the  region  had  been  doubly  covered  by 
patents  issued  by  King  James  to  the  North  and  South  Vir- 
ginia Companies,  a  royal  donation  based  on  the  claim  of 
England  to  the  North  American  Mainland  acquired  by  John 
Cabot  in  1497. 

"The  whole  country  was  'preempted,'  as  the  Dutch  very 
well  knew,  both  by  priority  of  discover\'  and  formal  occupa- 
tion. Even  if  the  Dutch  had  possessed  a  good  title,  a  glance 
at  the  map  will  show  that  the  position  could  not  have  been 
permanently  maintained  between  the  English  settlements  on 
the  North  and  Virginia  on  the  South :  it  was  merely  a  question 
of  time  before  inexorable  laws  must  take  their  course." 

Woodrow  Wilson  in  his  "History  of  the  American  People" 
seems  to  hold  an  opposite  view,  regarding  the  claim  of  right 
as  a  pretext,  but  he  acknowledges  that  under  Colonel  Nicolls, 
"no  less  a  statesman  than  a  soldier.  New  Netherland  was 
within  a  year  transformed  into  New  York  under  laws  which 
promised  toleration  and  good  government  and  which  all  sen- 
sible men  accepted  with  satisfaction." 

The  Dutch  occupation  of  what  is  now  New  York,  never- 
theless, conferred  a  lasting  benefit  upon  the  community  in  the 
importation  of  sturdy  traits  of  character  which  are  appreciable 
in  some  of  its  most  distinguished  families  today.  Architec- 
tural remains  are  naturally  non-existent,  except  in  the  style 
of  some  modern  adaptations,  but  the  names  of  streets  and 
localities,  such  as  Spuyten  Duyvil,  Corlaers  Hook,  Coen- 
ties  Slip,  Dutch  and  Van  Dam  Streets,  Stuyvesant  Square 
and  St.  Mark's-in-the-Bouwerie,  where  Petrus  Stuyvesant  lies 
buried,  and  many  other  names  of  like  character,  remind  us 
of  those  days  when  the  foundations  of  our  present  greatness 
were  laid. 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  foundation  of  the  settlement  may  be  dated  from  1621, 
when  the  States-General  of  Holland  gave  the  West  India 
Company  its  Charter.  In  1623  the  "New  Netherlands,"  a 
stout  Dutch  sailing  vessel,  Cornelius  Jacobs  of  Hoom,  Skip- 
per, with  thirty  families,  came  to  this  western  Land  of 
Promise.  So  seaworthy  was  this  good  ship  that  she  con- 
tinued in  active  service  for  more  than  thirty  years  after  this 
and  brought  doubtless  a  large  proportion  of  the  early  Dutch 
settlers  to  this  land.  In  1625  two  more  ships  sailed  from 
Holland  laden  with  agricultural  implements,  seeds  for  plant- 
ing, 103  head  of  cattle,  household  furniture  and  200  settlers. 
Upon  arrival  in  the  harbour  the  cattle  were  landed  on  what 
is  now  Governors  Island. 

The  West  India  Company  was  incorporated  June  3,  1621, 
through  the  efforts  of  William  Usselinx  to  colonize  the  lands 
discovered  by  Hudson.  In  addition  to  the  expectation  of 
revenue  to  be  derived  from  the  Colony  was  the  idea  of  estab- 
lishing a  naval  base  for  Dutch  vessels  in  the  war  with  Spain. 

"In  1 62 1,  the  year  of  its  establishment,  the  Company 
obtained  a  grant  or  patent  from  the  States  Generall  for 
the  setting  and  Planting  a  Colony  here  and  was  called 
the  New  Netherlands  and  made  one  of  its  first  settle- 
ments near  the  mouth  of  Hudson's  River  upon  an  Island 
called  Nutten  Island." 

From  Colonial  Documents — London. 


The  first  permanent  Colony  upon  Manhattan  Island  was 
made  by  Peter  Minuit  in  1626  and  the  first  act  of  settlement 
was  to  acquire  land  from  the  owners.  Governor  Peter  Minuit 
made  a  bargain  with  the  Indians  as  already  mentioned,  estab- 
lishing thus  early  in  what  was  to  be  the  financial  centre  of  the 
world  a  basis  of  real  estate  valuation. 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  prudent  Van  Twiller  followed  the  precedent  set  by 
Minuit  with  careful  attention  to  comparative  values  and  so  in 
1637  our  Island  passed  forever  from  the  control  of  the  ori?- 
inal  Race,  the  hut  was  abandoned,  the  tent  was  folded  and 
stowed  in  the  canoe,  the  stealthv  tread  of  the  moccasin  ^ave 
place  to  the  heavy  tramp  of  the  wooden  shoe,  "Pagganck"  be- 
came "Nutten"  and  a  momentous  page  was  opened  in  the 
history  of  the  subject  of  this  memorial  as  tribal  existence 
yielded  to  National  life.  The  flag  of  Holland  is  the  first  to 
proclaim  a  National  occupation,  to  be  succeeded  as  time  goes 
on  by  that  of  England  and  then  by  that  of  England's  daugh- 
ter, grown  too  big  and  free  for  Georgian  leading  strings. 

It  is  not  the  purpose  of  the  author  to  point  a  moral  to 
adorn  this  tale.  The  great  fact  stands  out  in  considering 
the  story  of  this  spot,  as  in  larger  issues,  that  National  life 
depends  upon  its  standard  of  just  dealings  for  continued 
existence.  This  is  why  the  great  Roman  Empire  fell  and  why 
little  Switzerland  endures.  We  may  add  many  stars  to  the 
canton  of  our  flag,  but  they  must  be  kept  undimmed,  for  even 
a  just  cause  needs  strong  battalions. 

The  author  trusts  this  simple  tale  of  our  Island  will  be  of 
interest  to  many  and  that  the  record  of  the  illustrious  Past 
will  inspire  to  even  greater  successes  in  the  future.  Before 
going  on  to  review  events  under  the  flags  of  Holland,  Eng- 
land and  our  own  country,  let  us  give  a  thought  to  those 
early  inhabitants  who  had  no  flag  save  the  waving  branch 
on  the  trees  which  gave  the  name  of  Pagganck  in  the  days 
before  American  history  began. 

The  Indians  who  inhabited  Pagganck  Island  and  the 
Island  of  Manhattan  (named  from  them)  were  of  the  Man- 
hattan tribe,  belonging  to  the  Wappinger  Confederacy.  Geo- 
graphically and  linguistically  they  were  intermediate  between 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISI^AND 

the  Delawares  to  the  south  and  the  Mohegans  who  Hved  in 
Other  parts  of  New  York  State. 

Their  principal  village  was  Nappeckamack  (now  Yonkers). 
Their  fort  was  Nipinicksen  on  Spuyten  Duyvil  Creek.  From 
this  point  they  sailed  out  to  attack  Hudson  on  his  return  voy- 
age down  the  River  that  now  bears  his  name — a  quarter  of  a 
century  before  their  sale  of  Pagganck  (Nutten,  Governors) 
Island  to  Wouter  Van  Twiller. 

The  illustration  (p.  14)  is  from  a  rare  engraving,  an 
"ancient  engraving,  executed  in  Holland,"  as  its  title  sets 
forth.  It  shows  Fort  Amsterdam  erected  in  1623  but  finished 
as  depicted  in  the  engraving  in  1635  by  Governor  Wouter 
Van  Twiller,  first  Lord  of  Governors  Island.  This  engraving 
is  believed  to  be  the  only  portrayal  of  the  Island  under  the 
Indian  occupation  as  indicated  by  the  tents  and  huts  upon 
its  shores  and  the  fleet  of  canoes  plying  between  their  Pag- 
ganck Island  and  the  mainland.* 

The  deed  of  sale  to  Van  Twiller  extracted  from  the  ancient 
records  of  the  Manual  of  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of  New 
York  is  given  in  full,  as  befits  its  importance  in  an  historical 
account  of  this  Island  and  also  for  its  interest  as  a  document 
of  the  period. 

We  can  imagine  the  efifect  upon  Cakapeteyno  and  Pehiwas, 
the  agents  of  their  tribe  in  the  sale  to  the  Governor,  of  the 
sonorous  phrases  of  the  Roman-Dutch  law  and  of  the  impres- 

*This  engraving  has  been  the  subject  of  considerable  discussion.  As 
it  appears  (p.  14)  Fort  Amsterdam  is  on  the  East  side  of  Manhattan 
Island,  whereas  it  should  be  upon  the  West.  J.  H.  Innes  holds  that 
the  reversal  is  due  to  the  fact  that  the  original  view  was  taken  from 
the  Long  Island  shore  by  means  of  a  plain  camera  obscura  and  that  the 
proper  orientation  was  not  restored  when  the  engraving  was  made  in 
Holland.  The  reader  who  desires  to  correct  the  error  has  only  to  hold 
the  picture  before  a  mirror,  when  he  will,  upon  reflection,  perceive  that 
he  has  the  proper  view. 

II 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

sive  circumstances  with  which  the  ceremony  was  doubtless 
invested.  Whether  the  pipe  of  peace  was  passed  around  or 
not  we  are  not  informed,  but  doubtless  these  original  pro- 
prietors were  well  content  with  the  "certain  parcels  of  goods" 
which  they  acknowledged  "to  their  full  and  grateful  satis- 
faction to  have  received  into  their  hands  and  power,"  and  in 
such  simple  form  of  transportation  as  the  ancient  engraving 
portrays  they  doubtless  glided  away  to  fish  in  other  waters 
and  enjoy  their  parcels  of  goods  on  other  shores.* 

Colonel  Ira  K.  Morris  in  his  "Memorial  History  of  Staten 
Island"  says  that  wampum  at  this  period  was  estimated  as  fol- 
lows :  "With  the  Dutch  Governors  six  beads  of  the  white  or 
four  of  the  purple  were  equal  in  value  to  one  penny."  This 
currency  was  used  by  Europeans  for  many  years  after  their 
settlement  here.  Both  the  Dutch  and  English  recognized  it  as 
currency  for  a  long  time.  In  1683  the  schoolmaster  at  Flat- 
bush  was  paid  his  salary  in  wheat  "at  wampum  value."  In 
1693  the  ferriage  for  passage  from  New  York  to  Brooklyn 
was  "eight  stuyvers  each  in  wampum." 

Colonel  Morris  points  out  the  advantage  the  Governors 
Island  Indians  had  over  those  of  Staten  Island  in  making  a 
sale  of  their  land  to  the  Dutch  in  that  "on  the  adjoining  Island 
(Staaten  Eylandt)  the  Indians  lived  a  most  miserable  life 
from  the  time  of  the  arrival  of  the  Dutch.  War  and  blood- 
shed followed  almost  constantly.  At  times  the  whites. were 
murdered  or  driven  away.  At  others,  the  Indians  perished. 
The  Indians  gradually  decreased  in  number  and  power,  and 
their  dust  to  the  very  last  mingled  with  the  earth  where  their 
feet  had  trod.  The  last  of  the  Raritans  (or  Aquehongas)  on 
Staten  Island  passed  away  about  1826." 

It  is  a  cause  for  gratification  that  our  Island  began  its  offi- 
cial career  in  1637  by  honourable  purchase  from  its  owners. 

*v.  page   17. 
12 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

During  its  documentary  history  of  two  hundred  and  eighty- 
four  years  not  a  single  transaction  can  be  found  of  a  question- 
able character.*  Under  the  three  flags  of  Holland,  England 
and  America,  as  well  as  under  the  curling  smoke  of  the  wig- 
wam, honour  and  justice  have  been  the  keynote  of  its  ex- 
istence and  the  glory  of  its  history. 

*  The  alleged  diversion  of  funds  by  Lord  Cornbury  in  1702  must  be 
mentioned  as  an  unfortunate  exception  to  this  statement. 


~t'  fprt  nuuw  «, /«y2irr<i/«t  of  Je Manliaianf 


FROM    JOOST    HARTGERS 
BESC  H  Rl  J  V  I  N  G  H  E    VAN     VIRGINIA 


AMSTERDAM    1651 


ORIGINAL  DEED 

OF 

GOVERNORS  ISLAND 

BETWEEN   THE 

DIRECTOR  AND  COUNCIL  OF  NEW  NETHERLANDS 

AND 

CAKAPETEYNO  AND  PEHIWAS 
JUNE  16,  1637 

WouTER  Van  Twiller 

DIRECTOR-GENERAL 


[from  the  manual  of  the  corporation  of  THE  CITY  OF  NEW  YORK] 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 


ORIGINAL  DEED 

"The  Director  and  Council  of  New  Netherlands  residing 
on  the  Island  of  Manahatas  in  the  Fort  Amsterdam  under  the 
Government  of  their  High  and  Mighty  Lords,  the  States  Gen- 
eral of  the  United  Netherlands  and  the  privileged  West  India 
Company,  at  their  Chambers  at  Amsterdam,  by  these  presents 
do  publish  and  declare  that  on  this  day,  the  date  underwritten 
before  us,  in  their  own  person  appeared  and  presented  them- 
selves, Cakapeteyno  and  Pehiwas  as  owners  and  declared  that 
voluntarily  and  deliberately  at  the  special  charge  of  the  Rulers 
and  with  the  approbation  of  the  Community  for,  and  in  con- 
sideration of,  certain  parcels  of  goods  which  they,  the  said 
appearers,  before  the  passing  of  these  presents,  acknowledged 
to  their  full  and  grateful  satisfaction  to  have  received  into 
their  hands  and  power,  they  in  their  rightful  ownership  have 
transported,  ceded,  given  over  and  conveyed  and  by  these 
presents  they  do  transport,  cede,  give  over  and  convey  to  the 
behoof  of  Wouter  Van  Twiller,  Director  General  of  New 
Netherlands,  the  Nooten  Island  (Nut  Island),  in  the  Indian 
tongue  called  Pagganck,  situate  over  against  the  Island  Mana- 
hatas between  the  North  and  East  Rivers  of  New  Netherlands, 
and  that  with  all  the  action  right  (and)  equity  which  to  them 
the  said  appearers  in  their  said  quality  appertained,  constitut- 
ing and  substituting  the  aforesaid  Wouter  Van  Twiller  in 
their  place  and  stead  in  the  real  and  actual  possession  thereof, 
and  at  the  same  time  giving  to  the  said  Wouter  Van  Twiller 
or  to  his  successors  full  and  irrevocable  power,  authority  and 
special  license,  tanquam  actor  et  procurator  in  rem  suam  ac 
propriam  the  aforesaid  land  peaceably  to  possess,  inhabit, 
cultivate  and  occupy,  and  also  therewith  and  thereof  to  do, 

17 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

trade,  and  dispose  in  the  same  manner  in  which  he  might  do 
with  his  own  lands  honestly  and  lawfully  without  their  the 
granters  any  longer  any  part,  right,  action  or  authority  what- 
ever, whether  of  ownership  charge  or  jurisdiction,  having, 
reserving  or  saving  but  to  the  behoof  as  aforesaid,  now  and 
forever  from  the  same  resisting  and  denouncing,  abstaining 
and  withdrawing,  promising  moreover  not  only  by  this  their 
transport  and  whatever  may  have  been  done  by  virtue  thereof 
forever  by  these  presents,  firmly,  inviolably  and  irrevocably  to 
maintain  faithful  and  execute,  but  also  the  said  Island,  against 
all  and  everyone  to  deliver  and  maintain,  free  from  all  de- 
mands, prosecutions  and  incumbrances  that  thereto  may  be 
instituted  by  anyone — all  in  good  faith,  without  fraud  and 
deceit. 

These  presents  are  confirmed  with  our  usual  signatures  and 
our  seal  thereto  suspended. 

Done  on  the  aforesaid  Island  of  Manahatas  the  sixteenth 
day  of  June,  1637. 

Was  Undersigned. 

Jacobus  Corler 
Andrius  Hudde 
Jacobus  Bontyn 
Claus  Van  Elslant." 


The  "certain  parcels  of  goods"  mentioned  in  this  document 
are  believed  to  have  been  an  axe  head  or  two,  a  string  of 
beads  and  a  few  nails. 

We  may  gather  an  idea  of  the  "parcel  of  goods"  from 
the  price  paid  for  a  sale  of  land  on  Long  Island  under 
William  Kieft,  Van  Twiller's  successor  as  Governor. 

18 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

At  a  sale  of  land  lying  on  Long  Island  under  Governor 
Kieft  by  Seysey  and  Sipento  and  Ponitarannackhyne  the 
parcels  of  goods  were : 

6  fathoms  of  cloth  lo  knives  i  gun 

6  fathoms  of  Wampum  lo  harrow  teeth  2  lbs  lead 

6  kettles  lo  corals  or  beads  2  lbs  powder 

6  axes  lo  bells  2  cloth  coats 
6  addices  K.  N. 

General  James  Grant  Wilson  in  the  year  1875  in  conver- 
sation with  her  Majesty  the  Queen  of  Holland  asked  her 
whether  she  did  not  think  sixty  guilders  a  very  small  consider- 
ation for  Manahatas  Island,  to  which  her  Majesty  promptly 
replied :  "If  the  savages  had  received  more  for  their  land 
they  would  simply  have  drunk  more  fire  water,"  which  reflec- 
tion will  reconcile  us  to  the  very  small  amount  involved  in  the 
"parcels  of  goods,"  for  which  our  fair  Island  was  signed 
away.  However,  if  the  Dutch  made  a  good  bargain  in  1637, 
they  did  not  do  so  well  in  1667  when  by  the  treaty  of  Breda 
they  received  Surinam  as  an  equivalent  for  what  is  now  New 
York!* 

The  doughty  Van  Twiller  had  arrived  from  Holland  in 
"De  Zoutberg"  in  1633,  bringing  with  him  104  soldiers,  the 
first  military  force  sent  to  the  Province. 

Van  Twiller  is  believed  to  have  been  the  only  private  owner 
of  Governors  Island.  After  his  departure  there  were  found 
"on  Nut  Island,  containing  about  80 -morgens,!  a  house,  21 

*  The  Articles  of  Capitulation  for  the  surrender  of  Surinam  (Dutch 
Guiana)  were  drawn  up  6th  May,  1667,  and  state  that  "Peace  between 
the  States  and  England  consists  in  the  absolute  abolition  of  all  pretence 
on  either  side — each  to  remain  masters  of  what  they  were  in  possession 
of  the  10/20  of  May  1667." 

t  In  Valentine's  Manual  we  read  that  Nutten  Island  contained  about 
160  acres  of  land,  an  interesting  fact  in  connection  with  the  restored 
area  amounting  (1913)  in  all  to  173  acres.  "Morgen"  is  a  word  of 
Dutch  origin  denoting  a  land  measure  of  2.1  acres  and  was  used  with 
reference  to  the  Dutch  possessions  in  America. 

19 


HISTORY   01^   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

pairs  of  goats,  together  with  various  goods  and  chattels." 
The  Island  was  then  directly  occupied  by  the  Government. 

Van  Twiller's  Ambition 

It  was  when  Van  Twiller  knew  he  was  to  be  superseded 
by  Kieft  (who  was  appointed  in  1637,  although  he  arrived 
in  the  Spring  of  1638)  that  he  resolved  to  make  provision 
for  himself.  Accordingly  he  procured  the  attendance  of 
Cakapateyno  and  Pehiwas,  Indian  owners  of  Pagganck,  and 
before  his  Council  at  New  Amsterdam  and  in  consideration 
of  certain  goods  received  a  Grant  of  the  Island.  At  the 
same  time  the  Indian  owners  of  the  two  Islands  at  Hellgat 
also  executed  a  deed  in  favour  of  Van  Twiller. 

The  Van  Twiller  purchase  was  declared  in  violation  of  the 
West  India  Company's  Charter.  It  was  formally  annulled 
by  the  Director  General  and  Council  July  ist,  1652.  The 
Island  was  restored  to  the  public  domain  and  was  considered 
a  perquisite  of  the  Governors,  Dutch  and  English. 

1680 — The  first  place  the  Hollanders  ever  occupied  in  the 
Bay  was  this  Island.  It  is  now  ( 1680)  a  farm  with 
a  house  and  a  place  upon  it  where  the  Governor 
keeps  a  parcel  of  sheep. 

1669 — July  5th — Saml  Mavericke  writes  to  Colonel 
Nicholls:  "Nutten  Island  by  ye  makeing  of  a 
garden  and  planting  of  several  walkes  of  fruite 
trees  on  it  is  made  a  very  pleasant  place" 

1 69 1 — In  discussing  the  bill  for  dividing  the  Province  the 
Assembly  objected  to  include  Nutten  Island  which 
belongs  to  His  Majesty's  *Fort  and  Garrison  and 
ought  not  to  be  comprehended  in  the  County. 

K.  N. 

*  V.  page  30. 

20 


HISTORY    OF   GOVERNORS   ISIvAND 

We  do  not  read  of  any  fortifications  in  those  early  days  on 
Nutten  Island,  Van  Twiller's  soldiers  being  undoubtedly 
quartered  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  but  in  1639  the  saw  mill  on  the 
Island  was  leased  by  the  "Honorable,  Wise  and  Right  prudent, 
Mr.  William  Kieft"  to  Evert  Bischop,  Siebout  Claesen  and 
Harman  Bastiensen.  They  were  to  pay  five  hundred  mer- 
chantable or  sound  planks,  one-half  pine  and  the  other  oak 
and  to  saw  not  less  than  65  to  the  bulk. 

We  read  in  an  old  record  that  this  saw  mill  was  probably 
worked  by  the  tide  in  the  River  (Buttermilk  Channel).  Peter 
Stuyvesant  found  this  mill  completely  ruined  and  useless,  and 
in  January  1648  he  and  the  Council  resolved  that  the  best 
interests  of  the  Company  required  that  it  be  dismantled  by 
removing  the  iron  work  from  it  by  burning  the  mill. 

J.  H.  Innes  in  his  "New  Amsterdam  and  Its  People"  states 
that  the  machinery  for  a  saw  mill  arrived  from  Holland  about 
1626.  "This  mill  was  worked  by  wind  power  after  the  Hol- 
land fashion  and  was  erected  on  the  shores  of  Nutten — now 
Governors — Island,  a  situation  which  will  seem  the  less  sin- 
gular if  one  calls  to  mind  not  only  the  facilities  for  floating 
logs  to  the  spot  from  the  neighbouring  shores  but  also  the  one 
hundred  acres  and  more  on  the  Island  itself. 

The  ancient  engraving  (p.  14)  shows  a  windmill  near  Fort 
Amsterdam.  In  1631  a  windmill  stood  on  Heere  Straat 
(Broadway)  near  what  is  now  Courtland  Street.  Governor 
Van  Twiller  began  the  enlargement  of  Fort  Amsterdam  at 
Bowling  Green  in  1633.  This  Fort  was  300  x  250  feet,  with 
stone  bastions.  It  contained  within  the  walls  the  Governors 
House,  used  for  official  and  social  purposes,  and  a  stone  Gar- 
rison Chapel,  'J2  X  52  feet  in  size. 

21 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Following  upon  the  English  occupation  the  Chaplains  were 
priests  of  the  Church  of  England.    The  list  follows : 

1 678- 1 723 

Rev.  Charles  Wooley,  graduate  of 

Cambridge    Aug.  1678  to  July   1680 

Rev.  Dr.  John  Gordon 1683 

Rev.  Josias  Clark June  1684  to   1686 

Rev.  Alexander  Ipnes April  1686 

Rev.  John  Miller,  M.  A Mar.  1691-2 

Rev.  John  Peter  Brisac 1701 

Rev.   Edmond  Mott 1 696 

Rev.  Simon  Smith 1699 

Rev.  John  Sharp,  M.  A 1704 

Rev.  Robert  Jenny 1717-22 

Rev.  James  Overn 1723 

Trinity  Church  Parish  was  chartered  by  Royal  Grant 
from  King  William  III  in  1697.  The  Chapel  in  the  Fort 
was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1741  and  the  Rev^.  James  Overn  was 
the  last  Chaplain. 

It  appears  that  the  heart  of  the  doughty  Governors  Petrus 
Stuyvesant  was  grieved  by  an  apparent  neglect  of  his  fortifi- 
cations and  elaborate  orders  were  issued  about  this  matter 
which  are  of  sufficient  interest  to  quote  as  typical  of  the 
grandiloquent  phraseology  of  the  day  and  because  in  1810, 
after  a  lapse  of  157  years,  Colonel  Burbeck,  Commanding  the 
Forces  in  New  York  Harbour,  had  occasion  to  issue  a  similar 
order  with  reference  to  the  Garrison  of  Fort  Columbus  on 
Governors  Island,  (v.  page  79.) 

22 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Burgomaster  and  Schepens, 
in  session  at  New  Amsterdam, 
13th  March,  1653. 

1st.  The  Burger  Watch  is  already  in  operation  and  His 
High  Mightiness  the  Director  General  is  re- 
quested to  furnish  fire  and  light. 

2nd.  It  is  ordered  that  Manhattans  shall  be  defended  with 
palisades  and  breastworks. 

3rd.  That  the  Fort  be  put  in  better  state  of  defence. 

4th.  That  the  sum  of  from  4  thousand  to  5  thousand 
guilders  be  levied  by  tax. 

Whereupon  His  Mightiness  Werckhoven  was  charged 
200  guilders  and  others  in  proportion 

In  the  same  month  of  1653,  the  Director  General,  exer- 
cising vigilant  supervision  over  the  military  works,  addresses 
the  Burgomaster  and  Schepens : 

"Most  Worshipful,  Gracious  and  Distinguished  : 

With  great  grief  of  heart  do  we  witness  the  destruc- 
tion that  the  Hogs  are  doing  to  the  (Banks)  Fortifica- 
tions of  the  Fortress  Particularly  now  again  as  formerly. 
*  *  *  We  see  with  pain  and  shame  the  Hogs  daily 
are  about  the  banks  to  the  ruin  of  the  same. 

We  remain. 

Most  Worshipful,  Gracious  and  Distinguished 

P.  Stuyvesant". 

It  is  encouraging  to  read  an  order  on  March  31st  that  a 
heardsman  is  to  be  provided  and  a  warning  in  August  that  all 
burgers  are  to  shut  up  their  Hogs  till  the  fortress  shall  be 
completed. 

Arent  Van  Halten 
Wiles  Beeckman 
Allard  Antony. 

23 


HISTORY   OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  next  communication  from  the  Burger  and  Schepens 
is  to  the  effect  that  they  will  "Cooperate  in  fortifying  and 
defending  the  City  with  all  their  might,"  and  shortly  after 
this  comes  the  proclamation  of  Peace  between  Holland  and 
England,  "with  printed  handbills  and  the  ringing  of  the  bells 
according  to  the  custom". 

K.  N. 


The  Dutch  held  Governors  Island  (with  interruptions) 
from  1637  to  1674  and  the  British  held  it  for  a  century  and 
a  year,  as  shown  in  the  following  list : 

Lords  of  Governors  Island 
Dutch  and  English  Colonial  Governors 

WouTER  Van  TwillER,  Appointed April,  1633 

Bought  Governors  Island  i6th  June,  1637 

William  Kieft,  Appointed Mch.  28,  1638 

Petrus  Stuyvesant  May  11,  1647 

Richard  Nicolls Sept.  8,  1664 

Francis  Lovelace Aug.  17,  1668 

CornELIS  EvERTse,   Jr.,   and  a  Council  of 

War Aug.  (N.   S.)  12,   1673 

Anthony  Colve  Sept.  19,  1673 

Edmund  Andros Nov.  (N.  S.)  10,  1674 

Anthony     BrockhollES,     Commander-in- 
Chief    Nov.  16,  1677 

Sir  Edmund  Andros,  Knight Aug.  7,  1678 

Anthony      BrockhalEs,      Commander-in- 
Chief  Jany.  (N.   S.)  13,   1681 

Thomas  Dongan Aug.  2y,  1683 

Sir  Edmund  Andros,  Knight Aug.  11,  1688 

24 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISL-AND 

Francis  Nicholson,  Lieut. -Governor Oct.  g,  1688 

Jacob  Leisler   June  3,  1686 

Harry  Sloughter Mch.  19,  1691 

Richard  Ingolsby,  Commander-in-Chief.  .  .  July  26,  1691 

Benjamin  Fletcher   Aug.  30,  1692 

The  Earl  of  Bellomont April  13,  1698 

John  Nanfan,  Lieut. -Governor May  17,  1699 

The  Earl  of  Bellomont July  24,  1700 

Colonel  William  Smith  (  Mch.    5,  1701  ^ 

Colonel  Abraham  De  Peyster-^             to  r  Council 
Colonel  Peter  Schuyler           I  May  19,  1701 J 

John  Nanfan,  Lieut. -Governor May  19,   1701 

Lord  Cornbury May  3,  1702 

Lord  Lovelace Dec.  18,  1708 

Peter  Schuyler,  President May  6,   1709 

Richard  Ingolsby,  Lieut. -Governor May  9,  1709 

Peter  Schuyler,  President May  25,  1709 

Richard  Ingolsby,  Lieut.-Governor June  i,  1709 

Gerardus  Beekman,  President April  10,   1710 

Robert  Hunter June  14,  1710 

Peter  Schuyler,  President July  21,  1710 

William  Burnet Sept.  17,  1720 

John  MontgomeriE April  15,  1728 

Rip  Van  Dam,  President July  i,  1731 

William  Cosby Aug.  i,  1732 

George  Clarke,  President Mch.  10,  1736 

George  Clarke,  Lieut. -Governor Oct.  30,  1736 

George  Clinton Sept.  2,  1743 

Sir  Dan  vers  Osborne,  Bart Oct.  10,  1753 

James  De  Lancey,  Lieut.-Governor Oct.  12,  1755 

Sir  Charles  Hardy,  Knight Sept.  3,  1755 

James  De  Lancey,  Lieut.-Governor June  3,  1757 

Cadwallader  Colden,  President Aug.  4,  1760 

25 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Cadwallader  ColdEn,  Lieut. -Governor.  .  . .  Aug.  8,  1761 

Robert  Monckton Oct.  26,  1761 

Cadwallader  Golden,  Lieut. -Governor. .  . .  Nov.  18,   1761 

Robert  Monckton June  14,  1762 

Cadwallader  Golden,  Lieut. -Governor. ...  June  28,  1763 

Sir  Henry  Moore,  Bart Nov.  13,   1765 

Cadwallader  Golden,  Lieut.-GovernOr.  .  . .  Nov.  12,  1769 

Earl  of  Dunmore Oct.  19,  1770 

William  Tryon July  9,  1771 

Cadwallader  Golden,  Lieut. -Governor \pril  7,   1774 

William  Tryon June  28,  1775 

Military  Governors,  not  recognized  by  the 
State  of  New  York 

James  Robertson -|  Mch.  23,  1780 

Andrew  Elliott,  Lieut.-Governor /April  17,   1783 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  English  Colonial  and  Revolutionary  Period 
1 674- 1 783 

In  1698  the  Island  was  set  aside  by  the  Assembly  as  being 
"part  of  the  Denizen  of  His  Majestie's  Fort  at  New  York  for 
the  benefit  and  accommodation  of  his  Majestie's  Governors 
for  the  time  being,"  and  hence  it  came  to  be  familiarly  called 
"The  Governor's  Island."  In  the  course  of  time  the  word 
"The"  has  been  eliminated  from  the  title  by  common  usage. 
Some  authorities  dispense  with  the  possessive  apostrophe,  but 
this  use  has  not  been  generally  adopted.*  An  example  is 
found  in  the  use  of  "The,"  as  referred  to,  in  a  letter  from 
Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  dated  5th  Sep- 
tember, 1775,  in  which  he  says: 

"The  City  has  remained  quiet  *  *  *  Fresh  pro- 
visions are  to  be  delivered  on  the  Governor's  Island  for 
the  Asia." 

The  later  Governors  in  some  cases  leased  the  Island  •  for 
their  own  profit.  There  is  a  tradition  that  Governor  Clinton 
leased  the  Island  for  a  race  course  to  a  Dr.  Price  who  built  a 
hotel  in  1784  and  that  horse  races  were  run  upon  it  in  1784-5. 
The  account  given  by  F.  B.  Hough  in  the  Historical  and  Sta- 
tistical Record  of  the  University  of  the  State  of  New  York  is 
authentic.     He  says : 

"By  Act  of  March  31,  1790,  for  the  encouragement  of 
education.  Governor's  Island  was  granted  to  the  Regents 
unless  needed  for  Military  purposes.  The  Committee 
consisted    of    Genl    Schuyler,    Mr    L'Hommedieu    and 

*The  Eastern  Department  in  official  papers  some  time  since  discon- 
tinued the  use  of  the  apostrophe. 

27 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Mr  Benson.  It  was  leased  to  Mr  John  Price  for  twenty 
one  years  at  an  annual  rental  of  £93  with  a  deduction  for 
taxes."  However,  this  was  not  to  last  long,  for,  as  the 
Report  goes  on  to  state,  "in  1794  Commissioners  were 
appointed  to  erect  fortifications,  works  were  begun  on 
Governor's  Island  and  the  Regents'  title  was  voided." 

Other  works  cooperating  later  with  the  fortifications  of 
Governors  Island  may  be  mentioned  as  throwing  light  upon 
the  progress  of  military  art  in  the  early  days  of  the  Province. 
Fort  Amsterdam  (at  Bowling  Green)  not  having  been  com- 
pleted up  to  the  time  of  Van  Twiller's  arrival  in  1633,  the 
structure  was  finished  in  1635.*  A  barracks  for  the  newly 
arrived  soldiers  was  built  within  the  walls,  while  to  the  south 
was  erected  the  (garrison)  Church  in  Governor  Kieft's  time, 
1642.  The  principal  gate  opened  upon  Bowling  Green  and 
was  guarded  by  a  small  redoubt  called  a  horn,  which  many 
think  stood  just  where  the  present  enclosed  area  now  is.  In 
1664  when  the  English  took  New  York  the  name  of  the  fort 
was  changed  to  Fort  James,  later  to  Fort  Anne  and  then  to 
Fort  George. 

In  1667  Governor  Nicolls  referred  to  Bedlow's  Island  as 
the  "largest  of  the  Oyster  Islands."  It  received  its  name  from 
Isaac  Bedlow,  patentee  under  Governor  Nicolls.  Fort  Wood 
was  erected  on  this  Island  in  1841  at  a  cost  of  $21,300.  It 
mounted  yj  guns  and  accommodated  a  garrison  of  350  men. 
This  was  built  upon  the  site  of  the  first  fortifications  erected 
about  the  year  1800. 

Governor  Lovelace  in  1669  issued  a  commission  for  Isaac 
Bedlow  (Bedloo)  as  follows,  and  a  year  later  conferred 
special  privileges  upon  Love  Island,  which  later  became 
known  as  Bedlow's  Island  and  is  so  called  today: 

*  Sec  illustration,  p.   14. 
28 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 


Commission  for  Mr.  Isaac  Bedloo 
TO  BEE  Capt.  of  a  ffoot-Company  in  this  City. 

1669.  By  Vertue  of  ye  Commission  &  Authority  unto 
mee  given  by  his  Royall  Highness  James  Duke  of  Yorke 
and  Albany  &c — I  doe  Constitute  &  Appoint  you  Isaac 
Bedloo  to  bee  Captn  of  a  Foot  Company  Lysted  or  to  bee 
Lysted  wth  in  this  City  and  precincts.  You  are  to  take 
into  yor  Charge  &  Care  ye  said  Company  as  Captaine 
thereof  &  duely  to  Exercise  both  yo^  inferiour  Offices  & 
Souldyers  in  Armes  &  to  use  your  best  care,  skill  & 
Endeavour  to  keep  them  in  good  Order  &  Discipline; 
hereby  requiring  all  inferiour  Officers  and  Souldyers 
under  yo^  Command  to  obey  you  as  their  Captaine; 
*  *  *  *  according  to  ye  Discipline  of  Warr.  Given  under 
my  Hand  &  Scale  ye  irst  day  of  [  ]  in  ye  21th  yeare 
of  his  Maties  Reigne,  Anno  Domini  1669. 

Francis  Lovelace. 

From  Minutes  of  the  Executive  Council 
of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

On  August  10,  1670,  Lovelace  gave  the  new  name  of  "Love 
Island"  to  a  "Certaine  Little  Island  in  ye  Bay  neare  this  Citty 
comonly  called  Oyster  Island"  for  which  Bedlow  had  had  a 
"patent  graunted  by  Col  Richard  Nicolls  and  the  Island  was 
made  a  "Priviledged  place  where  no  Warrant  of  Attachmt  or 
arrest  shall  be  made  of  force  or  served  unless  it  be  by  ye 
Governors  Speciall  Warrant  in  Cases  of  breach  of  ye  peace  or 
Cryminall  Mattrs." 

Ellis  Island,  called  at  one  time  Gibbet  Island  on  account  of 
the  execution  of  a  number  of  pirates  upon  it,  called  also  Buck- 
ing Island  in  1674,  and  Oyster  Island  in  1808,  had  Fort 
Gibson  built  upon  it  in  1 841  at  a  cost  of  $5,096,  mounting  15 
guns  manned  by  a  garrison  of  80  men. 

29 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

As  early  as  1809  the  Secretary  of  War  reports  on  Bedlow's 
Island  a  mortar  battery,  and  on  Ellis  Island  an  open  barbette 
battery  for  heavy  ordnance. 

A  council  was  held  at  Fort  William  Henry  on  the  26th  of 
September,  1691,  at  which  it  was  decreed  that  Nutten  Island 
and  the  so-called  Oyster  Islands,  viz,  Bedlow's,  Ellis  and  a 
third  (smaller)  Island  now  submerged,  be  added  to  the 
County  of  New  York,  whereupon  Colonel  Cortlandt  and 
Chidley  Brooks,  Esq.,  brought  back  the  bill  to  the  Assembly 
desiring  to  except  Nutten  Island  from  the  provisions  of  the 
bill  inasmuch  as  it  "belongs  to  his  Majestie's  Fort  and  Gar- 
rison." This  decision  being  sent  up  again  to  the  Fort  and 
approved  by  the  Governor  and  Council,  the  bill  was  finally 
sent  to  England  for  the  King's  approval  and  it  was  confirmed 
May  2nd,  1708,  Nutten  Island  being  excepted  from  the 
County,  but  later  by  the  Montgomery  Charter  of  1750 
Governors  Island  was  made  part  of  the  City  of  New  York 
and  by  act  of  March  7,  1788,  of  the  County  of  New  York. 

In  this  connection  it  is  interesting  to  note  the  more  romantic 
way  in  which  our  sister  (Staten)  Island  gained  her  alliance 
with  the  Empire  State. 

Colonel  Morris  in  his  History  of  Staten  Island  states  that 
under  the  Dutch  rule  Staten  Island  taxes  were  collected  by 
the  New  Jersey  authorities  without  protest.  When  the  Eng- 
lish came  into  power  a  number  of  the  settlers  on  the  Island 
refused  to  pay  taxes  altogether. 

In  1668,  the  trouble  between  the  interested  parties  increas- 
ing, James,  Duke  of  York,  who  had  been  made  by  his  brother, 
King  Charles  II,  the  nominal  ruler  of  the  English  Provinces 
in  America,  decided  that  "all  Islands  in  the  Harbour  of  New 
York  which  could  be  circumnavigated  in  twenty-four  hours 
should  belong  to  the  Colony  of  New  York  ;  otherwise,  to  New 
Jersey,"  whereupon  Captain  Christopher  Billopp,  commander 

30 


I/)  in 

ir  <" 

0  z 

z  - 


HISTORY    OP   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

of  a  little  vessel  at  the  port  of  Perth  Amboy,  made  the 
voyage  around  Staten  Island  with  an  hour  or  so  to  spare. 
It  is  said  that  he  covered  the  deck  of  his  vessel  with  empty 
barrels,  thus  gaining  considerable  sailing  power.  His  reward 
from  the  Duke  was  the  present  of  a  tract  of  land  of  1163 
acres. 

The  village  of  Tottenville  now  stands  upon  this  tract.  In 
spite  of  the  settlement  made  by  the  Duke  of  York  the  question 
of  State  ownership  still  remained  more  or  less  open  between 
New  York  and  New  Jersey  until  it  was  finally  adjusted  to 
mutual  satisfaction  in  1833. 

The  English  Colonial  Governors  Sloughter,  Fletcher  and 
Cornbury,  from  1691  to  1702  urged  the  fortification  of  New 
York  Harbour.  All  that  was  secured  was  £1500  for  defences 
at  the  Narrows,  which  sum,  a  large  one  at  that  day,  was  ex- 
pended by  Lord  Cornbury  for  a  pleasure  house  on  Governors 
Island  to  which  he  and  other  Governors  were  wont  to  retire 
to  "free  themselves  from  business."  The  picturesque  title  it 
bore  described  it  well,  no  doubt — "The  Smiling  Garden  of  the 
Sovereigns  of  the  Province."  Governor  Clarke  in  1738  again 
urged  the  importance  of  proper  defences.  Lord  Loudoun's 
arrival  with  a  large  fleet  in  1756,  however,  allayed  fears  of 
invasion  and  until  March  23d,  1780,  Governors  Island  was  suc- 
cessively the  perquisite  and  residence  of  Governors  Hardy, 
Delancy,  Colden,  Moore,  Dunmore  and  Tryon.*  Other  Gov- 
ernors leased  it  during  their  terms  of  office,  as  we  learn  inci- 
dentally from  a  communication  to  Lord  Dunmore. 

In  1770  Richard  Deane  petitioned  Lord  Dunmore  in  the 
following  plaintive  strain :  "Your  Lordship's  Petitioner  most 
humbly  showeth  that  he  hath  rented  an  Island  called  the 
Governors  Island  from  his  Honour     *     *     *     that  he  hath 

*  Governor  Kieft,  who  succeeded  Van  Twiller,  had  a  plantation  on  the 
Island  which  he  leased  at  an  annual  rental  of  150  pounds  of  tobacco. 

31 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

been  at  great  expence  cultivating  said  Island  *  *  *  that 
your  Lordship's  Petitioner  hath  been  led  by  Ruleing  hand 
of  kind  Providence  to  be  your  Lordship's  first  tenant  in 
America  *  *  *  And  your  Petitioner  as  in  duty  bound 
will  not  only  ever  pray — but  will  pay  your  Lordship's  Rent 
very  punctually."  It  does  not  appear  from  what  has  come 
down  to  posterity  just  what  Richard  Deane  desired  to  obtain 
from  his  noble  landlord,  but  let  us  hope  the  sentiment  with 
which  he  closed  his  appeal  had  the  desired  effect. 

Lord  Cornbury  came  into  possession  of  the  Island  as  Gov- 
ernor of  the  Province  of  New  York  in  1702  and  caused 
£1500  to  be  raised  by  various  assessments,  among  the  many 
enumerated  being  a  "tax  of  Five  shillings  and  six  pence  for 
every  person  that  Wares  a  Perl  Ring :  Every  Bachelor  above 
the  Age  of  twenty-five  years  two  shillings  and  five  pence," 
and  used  that  money,  according  to  Lt.-Governor  Cadwallader 
Golden,  and  as  above  noted,  to  build  a  pleasure  house  for 
himself  and  succeeding  Governors. 

It  is  not  known  on  what  part  of  the  Island  this  Governor's 
House  was  situated.  It  seems  most  reasonable  to  suppose 
that  Lord  Cornbury  chose  the  finest  situation  for  elevation 
and  general  outlook  in  the  middle  of  the  Island  where  the 
present  Fort  Jay  now  stands.  The  building  on  the  N.  E. 
elevation  of  the  Island  was  called  "the  Governor's  House" 
as  late  as  1840,  but  there  appears  no  other  reason  than  that 
to  suppose  it  was  built  by  Lord  Cornbury. 

An  oil  painting  from  the  collection  of  the  late  Revd. 
Charles  Hoffman,  D.  D.,  now  the  property  of  his  daughter, 
Mrs.  J.  Van  Vechten  Olcott  of  New  York,  marked  "Gov- 
ernor's Island  1750 — F.  Willa,"  shows  a  fine  structure  upon 
the  N.  E.  part  of  the  Island  where  the  quondam  Post  Head- 
quarters building  now  stands.  This  building  is  so  massive 
and  extensive  that  it  appears  incredible  it  should  have  dis- 

32 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISI.AND 

appeared  and  left  no  trace  behind.  The  presence  in  the 
channel  of  many  Dutch  vessels  (1750)  and  other  apparent 
inconsistencies  lead  to  a  belief  that  the  artist  may  have  made 
the  building  from  description. 

Another  interesting  suggestion  offered  by  Captain  J.  G. 
Phelps  Stokes  of  the  9th  Coast  Defense  Command  N.  G. 
N.  Y.,  is  that  the  structure  in  Willa's  painting  represents 
Lord  Cornbury's  plan,  which  was  never  carried  out. 

In  Kelby's  notes  a  reference  to  this  painting  discloses  the 
fact  that  it  was  at  one  time  the  property  of  Governor  Clinton, 
then  of  Colonel  J.  R.  S.  Denton  of  Newark,  from  whom  it 
was  purchased  by  the  Revd  Dr.  Hoffman  in  1893. 

The  painting  shows  the  old  Traders'  Wharf,  foot  of 
Whitehall  Street,  with  Gibbet  Island  (now  Ellis  Island)  and 
the  Jersey  Shore.  The  ships  fly  the  Dutch  and  Spanish  flags. 
The  painting  of  the  groups  is  remarkably  fine. 

The  pomp  and  circumstance  attending  the  office  of  Gov- 
ernor at  this  period  and  the  formality  of  official  language  are 
well  illustrated  in  an  Address  presented  to  Lord  Cornbury 
upon  his  arrival.  This  is  taken  from  the  Minutes  of  the 
Common  Council  of  the  City  of  New  York,  published  by 
authority : 

To  His  Excellency  the  Right  Honble  Eduard  Lord 
Cornbury  Capt  Gen^  and  Governour  in  Chiefe  of  his 
Majesties  Province  of  New  Yorke  and  Territories  de- 
pending thereon  in  America  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the 
same,  &c.* 

The  Humble  Address  of  the  Mayor  Al[d]ermen  and 
Commonality  of  the  City  of  New  Yorke 
(486)   May  itt  please  your  Excellency 
In  the  Name  and  on  the  behalf e  of  the  Freemen  and 
Inhabitants  of  this  his  Majesties  Corporation  and  City 

*  Edward  Hyde,  Lord  Cornbury,  3rd  Earl  of  Clarendon,  succeeded  in 
1709  to  the  title  of  his  father,  Henry,  2nd  Earl  of  Clarendon. 

33 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

of  New  Yorke  Wee  doe  heartily  Congratulate  your 
Lordships  safe  Arrival  in  this  your  Government  &  as 
Wee  Cannot  Entertain  to  GratefuU  A  sence  of  his 
Majesties  Royall  bounty  *  *  *  in  making  soe  Ex- 
cellent and  prudent  A  Choice  in  sending  your  Lord- 
ship A  person  of  so  great  and  Noble  birth  Skillfull  in 
the  Art  of  Warr     *     *     *     ^q  secure  us  from  the 

*  *  *  Enemy  Abroad  and  Cause  us  to  flourish 
with  *  *  *  Tranquility  att  home  *  *  *  soe 
Shall  we  Studiously  Endeavour  to  Demonstrate  and 
Express  that  Gratitude  in  our  ready  Complyance 
with  Everything  in  our  power  which  Your  Lordship 

*  *  *  shall  judge  Necessary  and  Contribute  to 
his  Majesties'  Service  and  Honour  *  *  *  That 
God  in  his  Infinite  Mercy  and  goodness  will  Vouch- 
safe to  bless  his  Majesty  with  A  long  And  happy 
Reign  Over  us     *     *     *     is  the  fervent  prayer  of 

Your  Lordship's  most  dutiful! 
May,  1702.  humble  servants. 


That  the  cost  of  living  was  high  in  New  York  in  the  time 
of  Cornbury  as  now  we  learn  from  an  order  published  for 
the  benefit  of  officers  and  soldiers  by  the  Common  Council 
of  the  City  of  New  York  held  at  the  City  Hall  on  Tuesday 
the  26th  day  of  May  Anno  Dom  1702,  at  which  were  present 

Thomas  Noell,  Esqr..  Mayor, 

Sampson  Shelton  Broughton,  Esqr.,  Recorder  and  ten 
Aldermen. 

The  order  is  as  follows : 

WiiKRivAS  his  most  sacred  Majesty  Among  many 
Other  princely  favours  Shown  to  this  Province  hath 
sent  Over  during  the  Late  Warr  A  Considerable  Num- 
ber of  forces  to  protect  and  secure  us  from  the  Insults 

34 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

of  our  Enemies  the  French  of  Canada  and  their  Indians 
*  *  *  And  Whereas  all  manner  of  Provisions  and 
Apparrell  are  much  dearer  in  this  Citty  than  in  England 
whereby  the  said  Soldiers  Cannot  Conveniently  subsist 
of  their  pay  only,  but  the  most  of  them  being  Trades- 
men which  had  they  A  Liberty  to  Exercise  within  this 
Corporation  itt  would  not  Only  Enable  them  to  live 
[492]  Comfortably  but  Impede  their  dissertion  and 
Encourage  them  in  them  in  their  duty,  *  *  *  And 
Whereas  by  the  By  Laws  of  this  Corporation  No  person 
Whatever  Can  Keep  Shop  or  Exercise  Any  handy  Craft 
Trade  or  Occvtpation  but  such  as  are  Freeman  thereof. 
Therefore  this  Court  doe  hereby  Resolve  and  Order 
that  all  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  (who  are  his  Majesties 
Natural  born  Subjects  belonging  to  his  Majesties  Gar- 
rison Forte  William  Henry*  within  this  Citty  be  made 
Freemen  of  this  Corporation  Gratis  &  Ordered  that 
the  Mayor  Recorder  and  Aldermen  Administer  unto 
them  the  Oath  of  A  Freeman  and  Grant  them  Certifi- 
cates thereof  under  the  scale  of  the  Citty  and  that  the 
Towne  Gierke  Register  their  Names  as  Freemen  Ac- 
cordingly Any  former  Law  to  the  Contrary  in  Anywise 
Notwithstanding. 

The  provisions  of  this  humane  regulation  were  extended, 
as  far  as  possible,  to  the  troops  later  stationed  on  Governors 
Island. 

In  1 710  large  bodies  of  Palatines  were  sent  to  America  and 
it  was  decided  by  the  Colonial  Authorities  that  Nutten  Island 
was  the  "properest  place  to  put  them,"  and  two  carpenters, 
Johannes  Hebon  and  Peter  Williamse,  were  ordered  to  "wait 
on  the  Presidentf  to  Nutten  Island  at  two  in  the  afternoon 
with  respect  to  Building  huts"  for  the  Exiles.  Governor 
Hunter  immediately  established  special  Courts  of  Jvidicature 
"because  the  said  Island  lyeth  not  within  the  body  of  any 

*  The   Fort   at   Bowling  Green,     f  Peter   Schuyler. 
35 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

County  of  this  Province  and  in  noe  wise  subject  to  the  Juris- 
diction of  any  of  the  Courts  that  are  estabHshed  within  the 
same." 

It  is  stated  that  from  seven  to  ten  thousand  of  these  exiles 
were  encamped  here  at  one  time.  They  were  later  sent  up  the 
Hudson  to  Greene  and  Columbia  Counties,  where  their  de- 
scendants may  be  found  to  this  day. 

The  Palatinate  Refugees  arrived  in  June  of  1710.  On 
July  1 2th  of  the  same  year  Governor  Hunter  and  his  Council 
erected  Courts  of  Judicature  so  that  cases  occurring  among 
them  might  be  locally  tried  and  adjusted.  As  many  as  250 
of  these  unfortunates  died  and  were  buried  on  Governors 
Island.  K.  N. 

Governor  Cosby  during  his  office  used  Governors  Island 
for  a  game  preserve.  In  1738  the  Legislature  passed  an  act 
to  preserve  the  breed  of  English  pheasants  in  this  colony. 
The  Act  declares  that  "whereas  the  late  Governor  (Cosby) 
did  place  about  one  half  dozen  couple  of  English  pheasants 
upon  Nutten  Island  and  pinioned  them  to  the  end  that  they 
might  remain  there  to  propagate  their  species  with  a  view 
that  their  increase  would  spread  from  there  and  stock  the 
country  with  their  kind;  and  whereas  the  said  fowls  not  only 
have  increased  vastly  upon  the  said  Island  but  many  of  them 
have  already  spread  over  to  Nassau  (Long  Island)  and  in 
all  probability  will  soon  stock  the  country  if  people  are 
restrained  from  destroying  them  for  a  few  years,  the  present 
Governor  being  also  desirous  that  the  whole  Colony  may  be 
stocked  with  these  birds — it  is  enacted  that  no  birds  shall  be 
killed  nor  eggs  taken  for  one  year."  So  from  the  time 
the  103  head  of  cattle  were  landed  on  Pagganck  Island  from 
the  "New  Netherlands"  in  1623  and  Wouter  Van  Twiller 

36 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

had  his  21  pairs  of  goats  in  1637  and  the  Government  in  1738 
went  into  the  business  of  pheasant  farming,  down  to  the 
present  day,  when  the  squirrels  introduced  by  Major-Gen- 
eral  Nelson  A.  Miles  in  1895  are  still  under  official  protec- 
tion, our  Island  has  maintained  a  creditable  reputation  for 
interest  in  animal  life. 

The  Governors  of  that  period,  however,  took  thought  for 
more  important  matters  than  the  propagation  of  valuable 
birds,  as  we  learn  from  Governor  Clarke's  speech  of  5th 
September,  1738,  in  which  he  strongly  recommends  forti- 
fications. 

Addressing  the  Legislature  the  15th  of  April,  1741,  he 
said :  "There  is  great  cause  to  apprehend  a  speedy  rupture 
with  France.  Your  situation  ought  therefore  to  awaken 
you  to  see  the  importance  of  erecting  batteries  in  proper 
places  *  *  *  ^^^  Qjjg  ^^  'Rt6.  Hook  to  prevent  the  enemy 
landing  upon  Governors  Island."  Governor  Clinton,  ad- 
dressing the  Assembly  April  17th,  1744,  also  urged  action  to 
prevent  the  enemy  landing  any  force  or  artillery  on  Nutten 
Island. 

The  first  mention  of  troops  on  Governors  Island  is  in  con- 
nection with  Major-General  William  Pepperell's  Regiment 
as  follows : 

"New  York,  June  the  3rd,  1755. 

Rec'd  of  the  Honorable  James  De  Lansea,  Esq.,  the 
sum  of  Three  Pounds,  fourteen  shillings  and  nine  pence 
for  five  cords  and  three  quarters  of  Oak  wood  for  the 
use  of  Sir.  Wm.  Pepperell's  Regiment  encamped  on 
Nutten  Island  in  full  pr.  Me  ben  hildreth." 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  this  Major-General  Sir  Wil- 
liam Pepperell  was  an  American  Soldier,  born  in  Kittery, 
Maine,  in  1696.     In  1726  Pepperell  was  made  Colonel  of 

37 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Militia  and  in  1730  a  Chief  Justice  of  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas. 

In  1745  he  was  Commander-in-chief  of  the  New  England 
force  of  4000  men  which,  assisted  by  a  British  Squadron 
under  Commodore  Peter  Warren,  captured  the  French  fort- 
ress of  Louisburg.  For  his  services  Pepperell  was  created 
a  baronet,  the  only  New  Englander  so  honoured.  He  re- 
ceived the  rank  of  Lieutenant-General  in  1759. 

General  James  Grant  Wilson  and  John  Fiske  say  of  Pep- 
perell that  "the  greater  names  of  Washington  and  the  Revo- 
lutionary generals  have  eclipsed  that  of  Pepperell,  but  it 
should  not  be  forgotten  that  he  did  more  than  any  other  man 
to  prepare  the  army  that  was  afterward  to  achieve  American 
independence." 

A  later  reference  to  the  regiment  of  Sir  William  is  found 
in  a  bill  for  straw  under  date  of  Aug.  23,  1755,  when  it  was 
stationed  on  Governors  Island : 

To  Cornelius  Tiebout. 
To  322  bundles  straw  for  Gene'l  Pepparill's  Redgement, 
@  4  d.  £5"  7"  4. 

The  following  orders,  taken  from  the  certified  minutes  of 
the  Common  Council,  make  mention  of  the  Military  Estab- 
lishment on  Governors  Island  in  official  records. 

At  a  Common  Council  held  at  the  City  Hall  of  the  said 
City  on  Saturday  the  28th  day  of  August,  Anno  Dom.  1756, 

(462) 

Mr.  Mayor  Informed  this  board  that  Collo.  Yoimg  in 
the  name  of  Collo.  Stanwich  Desired  that  this  Corpora- 
tion would  be  pleased  to  advance  and  furnish  his  Maj- 
esties' forces  on  Nutten  Island  with  Straw  and  wood 
during  their  Stay  there,  whereupon  this  board  having 
Considered  the  Same  Do  agree  that  this  board  Do  ad- 
vance on  the  Credit  of  the  Government  a  Sum  not 
exceeding  fifty  pounds  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

38 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISI.AND 

Governor  Hardy  as  early  as  1756  saw  the  strategical  im- 
portance of  Governors  Island  and  wrote  as  follows : 

Governor  Hardy  to  the  Lords  of  Trade. 

Fort  George,  New  York 

2-]  October.  1756. 


It  will  be  highly  proper  to  put  this  Province  into  a 
State  of  Defence  from  any  attack  by  Sea.  *  *  * 
Some  heavy  cannon  should  be  mounted  upon  Nutten 
Island  on  the  Ground  that  if  the  enemy  should  attack 
the  City  with  a  fleet  they  will  make  themselves  masters 
of  it  from  whence  they  can  easily  bombard  the  City. 

*Fort  George  has  gone  through  great  repair  and  is 
now  compleated.  Two  sides  and  three  bastions  com- 
mand the  Rivers  leading  to  the  City.  Your  Lordships 
will  please  observe  that  they  (the  cannon)  are  all  but 
one  12  and  9  pounders,  pour  ordinance  for  such  a  de- 
fence.    *     *     * 

We  have  not  one  mortar  or  cohorn.  Lord  Loudon 
is  returned  to  Fort  Edward. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be 

Your  Lordships' 

Most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 
Charges  Hardy. 


The  Royal  American  Regiment 

References  to  a  Colonial  Regiment  styled  the  Royal  Ameri- 
cans are  found  in  the  following  orders.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  the  date  is  twenty  years  preceding  the  Declaration  of 
Independence : 


*A   stone  in   Battery  Park  just  west  of  the   Custom    House  has  an 
inscription  designating  the  spot  as  the  S.  W.  Bastion  of  Fort  George. 

39 


HISTORY    01^   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

No.  Common  Councill, 

1345  City  Hall,  Oct.  19, 
Warrant  issued.  Anno  Domini,  1756. 

Order'd  the  Like  of  Mr.  Christopher  Bancker  or  his 
order  the  Sum  of  Nine  pounds  two  shillings  in  full  for 
the  Like  sum  by  him  advanced  and  paid  for  his  fire  wood 
for  the  use  of  the  Royall  Americans  on  Nutten  Island  as 
per  his  said  Account  Audited  bv  this  board  and  allowed 
of. 

No.  Meeting  of  Common  Councill, 

1346  City  Hall,  Nov.  8,  1756. 
Warrant  issued. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Recorder  issue  his  warrant  to  the 
Treasurer  of  the  City  to  pay  to  Jacob  Bremington  or 
his  order  the  sum  of  five  pounds  four  shillings  in  full 
of  his  account  for  Straw  by  him  provided  for  the 
Royal  Americans. 

Ten  years  later  we  read  in  Captain  John  Montressor's 
Journal  of  further  plans  for  the  fortification  of  Governors 
Island.  Captain  Montressor  was  styled  the  "Chief  Engineer 
of  America,"  and  he  reports  as  follows  under  date  of  Sept.  9, 
1766: 

Delivered  to  the  Commander  in  Chief  my  Report. 
Made  my  design  on  a  Scale  of  200  feet  to  the  inch  for 
fortifying  Governor's  or  Nutten  Island." 

And  again : 

M.\Y  12,  1767. 

On  return  from  inspection  at  Albany,  May  12th,  a  fair 
wind  &  the  13th  at  York.  The  whole  Regiment  was 
found  encamped  on  the  Island,  the  22n(l  and  two  Bat- 
talions of  Royal  Americans.  Encamped  outside  of  y^ 
Stockade  also  the  44th." 

40 


HISTORY    OF    G0VE;RN0RS    ISLAND 

This  Report  indicates  the  presence  of  two  Regiments  in  ad- 
dition to  the  Royal  Americans  and  makes  incidental  reference 
to  a  stockade  which  probably  enclosed  the  main  Garrison. 

From  the  New  York  Mercury  we  read  of  another 
Organization 

William  Richardson,  a  soldier  belonging  to  Captain 
Crookshank's  Independent  Company  of  Fuzaleers,  was  shot 
on  Nutten  Island  for  desertion  October  17th,  1757. 

K.  N. 

The  Mercury  of  Oct.  24th 

Rowland  Brown  on  the  same  charge  was  reprieved  on 
showing  no  intention  to  desert. 

The  Assessment  Roll  of  1793  gives  Nutten  Island  as 
valued  at  £800  and  the  tax  was  fixed  at  £4  7s  4d. 

K.  N. 

In  Jared  Sparks'  Life  of  Washington  we  learn  something 
of  the  formation  of  this  Regiment,  the  first  one  of  which  there 
is  record  by  name  on  Governors  Island. 

"Lord  Loudoun  as  Commander  of  the  forces  in  America," 
he  says,  "was  empowered  to  raise  a  Regiment  in  the  Colonies 
consisting  of  four  battalions  to  be  commanded  by  officers  bear- 
ing the  King's  Commission  and  called  the  Royal  American 
Regiment.  Recruiting  officers  were  employed  in  Virginia 
enlisting  men  for  the  Royal  Regiment.  The  Assembly  voted 
£8000  to  be  paid  for  enlisting  men  and  transporting  them 
to  New  York. 

The  Maryland  Assembly  appropriated  £5000  to  aid  enlist- 
ments in  that  Colony  for  the  Royal  Americans  and  resolved 
to  raise  300  men.  A  bounty  was  given  not  exceeding  £5 
for  each  man  enlisted. 

41 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Horatio  Gates,  later  (June,  1775)  Adjutant-General  in  the 
American  Army  with  the  rank  of  brigader-general,  was  an 
officer  in  this  Regiment.  Gates  was  aide-de-camp  to  General 
Monckton  in  his  expedition  against  Martinique  in  1762.  He 
was  a  bearer  of  despatches  to  London  announcing  the  success- 
ful result  of  this  victory  and  was  rewarded  by  being  made 
Major  in  the  Royal  Americans. 

It  is  fair  to  assume  he  was  stationed  on  Governors  Island 
in  1767,  for  Captain  John  Montressor  in  his  Report  of  May 
1 2th  in  that  year,  says  he  "found  the  whole  Regiment  en- 
camped on  the  Island,  the  22d,  and  two  Battalions  of  Royal 
Americans,  also  the  44th  Regt."  (p.  40). 

In  the  ]\Iilitary  Department  of  the  New  York  Public 
Library  is  a  valuable  set  of  Army  lists  of  the  British  Forces, 
published  by  order  of  the  Honorable  Secretary  at  War,  of 
separate  volumes  in  superb  bindings,  1754  to  1842.  The 
volumes  bear  the  crest  and  bookplate  of  Colonel  FitzClarence, 
Earl  of  Munster,  who  died  in  London,  1842.  The  changes 
in  the  personnel  of  the  various  years  are  carefully  written  in. 
From  these  reports  we  learn  that  the  62nd  Regiment  of  Foot 
was  styled  "Royal  Americans"  in  1756.  In  1757  the  number 
was  changed  to  60th  Regt.  of  Foot  and  so  remained. 

The  uniform  of  the  Royal  Americans  originally  was  Red 
faced  with  Blue,  but  as  we  learn  from  these  Reports,  the 
uniform  was  changed  in  1770  to  "Red  faced  with  Blue,  White 
Lace,  with  2  blue  Stripes." 

The  uniform  of  the  44th  Regiment  of  Foot,  stationed  in 
1767  on  Governors  Island,  was  Red  faced  with  Yellow. 

The  uniform  of  the  22d  Regiment  of  Foot,  which  we 
learn  from  Montressor's  Report  was  here  with  the  Royal 
Americans,  was  Red  faced  with  pale  Blue. 

John  Campbell,  4th  Earl  of  Loudoun,  was  appointed  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  British  forces  in  America,  March 

42 


GENERAL   SIR   JEFFREY    AMHERST 


COMMANDER    OF    THE    ROYAL    AMERICAN    REGIMENT 
60TH  FOOT 


HISTORY   OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

20,  1756.  Lord  Loudoun  commanded  the  Royal  Americans 
for, a  number  of  years  with  the  title  "Colonel  in  Chief," 
having  under  his  command  in  1756  four  "Colonels  Com- 
mandant," viz. :  John  Stanwix,  Joseph  Dusseaux,  Charles 
Jefferyes,  James  Prevost  and  Majors  J.  Young,  J.  Robertson, 
J.  Rutherford,  Augustine  Prevost  and  Chaplains  Thomas 
Gawton  and  Wm.  Nicholas  Jackson. 

General  Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst  commanded  the  Royal  Amer- 
icans for  a  long  period.  The  well  known  painting  of  Sir 
Jeffrey  by  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds,  as  engraved  by  Watson, 
hangs  in  the  Officers  Club,  South  Battery.  The  ist  Battalion 
of  the  Royal  Americans  was  the  Governors  Island  Battalion. 
The  town  of  Amherst,  Massachusetts,  where  Amherst  Col- 
lege is  located,  was  named  after  Sir  Jefifery  Amherst. 

Eighteen  years  later,  when  the  Regiment  had  been  for 
a  year  at  Jamaica  and  Antigua,  many  names  of  the 
officers,  advanced  in  grade,  and  of  Chaplain  Jackson,  are 
still  found  which  were  on  the  roster  of  1756  at  Governors 
Island. 

The  Royal  American,  60th  Regiment  of  Foot,  is  (1922) 
the  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps.  Uniform,  Green  with  Scarlet 
facings. 

Motto : 

Celer 

et 
Audax 

During  the  Revolutionary  War  concerts  were  given  by 
the  Royal  American  Band  at  Burns'  New  Assembly  Rooms. 
This  popular  assembly,  where  the  fashionables  gathered  much 
as  they  do  at  Delmonico's  and  Sherry's  today,  was  at  the 
upper  end  of  Bowling  Green,  near  the  Van  Courtlandt  House. 

43 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Benedict  Arnold  lodged  here  for  a  time  after  his  desertion 
from  the  Army.* 

Another  reference  is  found  to  this  early  Governors  Island 
Regiment  during  the  Stamp  Act  troubles  when  General  Gage 
ordered  Fort  George  at  Bowling  Green  to  be  dismantled  in 
order  to  appear  to  the  people  "Less  menacing  and  unfriendly." 
The  work  was  performed  by  the  detachments  of  Royal  Ar- 
tillery, assisted  by  the  Royal  American  Regiment  who  went 
over  from  Governors  Island  for  that  purpose.! 

*  A  monument  passed  daily  by  hurrying  throngs  who  scarcely  pay  it 
the  tribute  of  a  glance  is  in  Battery  Park  just  west  of  the  Custom  House 
near  the  Subway  station.  Its  inscription  is  of  interest  in  this  connection 
and  is  as  follows: 

"To  perpetuate  the  site  of  the  S.  W.  Bastion  of  Fort  George 

In  40°  42'  8"  N.  Latitude  as  observed  by 

Captain  John  Montressor 

and 

David  Rittenhouse 

October,  1766." 

The   Corporation  of  the   City  of   New  York  have  erected 

This  Monument  A.  D.  MDCCCXVIII. 

t  In  the  first  edition  of  this  History  the  following  note  occurred : 
"The  references  to  The  Royal  American  Regiment,  6oth  F'oot,  have 
met  with  very  kind  reception  on  the  part  of  The  King's  Royal  Rifle 
Corps,  6oth  Foot.  This  distinguished  Regiment,  which  is  identical  with 
the  original  Royal  American  Regiment  preserves  the  number  of  6oth 
as  it  had  when  on  Governors  Island  in  Colonial  days.  His  Majesty  King 
George  V.  graciously  accepted  a  copy  of  the  History  and  the  Author 
had  an  interesting  correspondence  with  Lord  Grenfell,  Senior  Colonel 
of  the  King's  Royal  Rifles  and  with  Colonel  Butler,  the  Historian  of  the 
Regiment,  both  of  whom  expressed  satisfaction  that  the  memory  of 
their  Corps  is  so  warmly  cherished  in  the  place  where  it  served  for  so 
long  a  period.  It  is  hoped  that  as  time  goes  on  and  the  great  War 
in  which  England  and  America  have  fought  as  Allies  becomes  a 
matter  of  history  there  may  be  an  opportunity  to  bring  together  in 
some  way  the  military  descendants  of  this  famous  Corps  and  the  present 
representatives  of  the  American  Army  stationed  on  Governors  Island." 
How  this  hope  was  most  remarkably  fulfilled  will  be  found  described 
on  page  231. 

44 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


The  Revolution 

It  was  not  long  before  the  mutterings  of  war  were  heard. 
An  intimation  of  this  which  shows  that  Governors  Island 
was  of  value  not  only  for  "refreshment  after  the  cares  of 
business,"  but  for  more  important  reasons,  is  disclosed  in  a 
letter  from  Governor  Tryon  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth. 

New  York,  i6th  Oct.  1775 
My  Lord  : — 

The  City  has  been  in  continual  agitation  and  ferment 
encreased  by  a  recommenda'tn  and  resolve  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  that  this  provincial  Congress  should 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  siezing  or 
securing  the  Crown  Officers  *  *  *  j  j^gpt  out  of 
Town  all  Thursday  at  the  Governor's  Island  and  in 
the  evening  the  Asia  boat  landed  me  at  Long  Island  and 
(I)  lay  at  Mr.  Astell's  at  Flatbush. 

In  a  letter  to  Lord  Dartmouth  under  date  of  June  7th, 
1775,  the  Governor  speaks  of  "the  critical  and  dangerous 
situation  of  the  British  soldiers  quartered  in  New  York,  the 
men  deserting  in  considerable  numbers  and  being  the  object 
of  attack. 

General  Gage  proposed  putting  the  soldiers  and  their 
families  on  board  H.  B.  M.  S.  "Asia."  After  some  delay,  the 
situation  becoming  more  acute,  the  following  order  was 
issued : 

5th  June,  1775 
To  Major  Hamilton, 
1 8th  Regiment, 
Spring  Hill. 

The  difficulty  about  the  Women  and  children  which 
occasioned  an  alteration  of  our  first  Determination  to  put 
the  troops  under  Command  on  board  of  the  Asia  being 

45 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

obviated  by  removing  the  Women  to  Governor's  Island 
*  *  *  You  have  my  leave  to  encamp  the  Women 
on  the  Governor's  Island  and  if  there  is  any  room  in 
the  House  which  the  Family  who  live  there  do  not  make 
use  of,  I  am  willing  the  women  should  have  it.  You 
will  please  to  give  orders  that  they  by  no  means  burn 
or  destroy  the  Fences  or  do  any  kind  of  Injury  to  any 
thing  on  the  Island. 

I  am,  etc., 

Cadwallader  Coldex, 
Lieut.  Gov'r  Province  of  New  York. 


A  citadel  and  outworks  were  begun  in  1775.  General 
orders  of  April  i6th,  1775,  read:  "Colonel  Prescott's  Regi- 
ment is  to  encamp  on  Governors  Island  *  *  *  They 
are  to  give  every  assistance  in  their  power  to  the  works  erec- 
ting thereon."  This  Regiment,  the  famous  Bunker  Hill 
Regiment,  was  joined  later  by  the  4th  Continental  Infantry, 
Colonel  Nixon  Commanding. 

Some  highly  interesting  facts  in  regard  to  the  fortification 
of  the  Island  at  this  period  are  learned  from  a  letter  written 
by  Benjamin  Franklin  to  General  Lee  in  which  he  encloses  a 
long  communication  from  Trevor  Newland  Staflford.  The 
fact  of  its  quotation  implies  Franklin's  approval  of  the  senti- 
ments expressed  by  Stafford.  Extracts  from  the  letter 
follow : 

To  the  Honourable  Charles  Lee,  Esq., 

Lieut. -General  of  the  Continental  Army, 
New  York. 

5th  February,  1776. 


I'm  amazed  at  a  ship  or  two  laying  at  New  York  in 
open  violation  of  yc  United  Provinces.     The  Asia  lay 

46 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

along  in  the  North  River  and  refused  to  go  into  y^ 
Sound.  *  *  *  There  is  Nutten  (Governor's  Island) 
well  situated  to  place  Guns  and  I  imagine  300  or  400 
men  would  be  sufficient  to  compleat  all  the  works  in 
one  night :  the  greatest  difficulty  would  be  to  get  cannon 
to  Nutten  Island.  It  would  be  impossible  to  point  out 
Either  the  facilitys  or  difficultys  in  the  course  of  a  letter. 
The  greatest  difficulty  will  be  to  keep  it  secret  from 
the  people  of  New  York.  *  *  *  jf  there  was  a 
lodgement  with  some  Guns  upon  Nutten  Island  *  *  * 
as  soon  as  the  Batterys  upon  Nutten  Island  began  to  play 
there  should  be  some  of  the  Connecticut  men  ready  to 
run  down  upon  the  Wharfs  with  some  few  guns  ahead 
and  astern  with  grape  to  clear  the  decks  and  fire  into 
the  ports.  Six  Guns  would  be  sufficient  upon  Nutten 
Island  and  12  pdrs  would  be  heavy  enough.  *  *  * 
I  imagine  Lord  Stirling  would  be  a  very  proper  person 
to  command  the  detachment.* 

B.  Franklin. 


That  the  fortifications  were  finally  completed  we  learn  from 
a  letter  written  three  months  later  by  General  Washington  to 
Lieutenant-General  Charles  Lee,  as  follows : 

New  York,  May  9,  1776. 

My  dear  Lee  : 

We  have  done  a  great  deal  of  work  at  this  place.  In 
a  fortnight  more  I  think  the  City  will  be  in  a  very 
respectable  posture  of  defense.  *  *  *  Governor's 
Island  has  a  large  and  strong  work  erected  and  a  Regi- 
ment encamped  there.     All  the  ships  of  war  have  left 

*  From  the  Lee  Papers — New  York  Historical  Society. 
47 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

this  place  and  gone  down  to  the  Hook  except  the  Asia 
*  *  *  With  compHments  to  the  gentlemen  of  my 
acquaintance  with  you  and  with  the  most  fervent  wishes 
for  your  health  and  success, 

I  remain  your  most  affectionate 

G.  Washington. 


That  the  guns  mounted  on  Governors  Island  gave  an  ac- 
count of  themselves  we  learn  from  the  journal  of  Lieut. - 
Colonel  Stephen  Kemble*  of  H.  M.  6oth  Foot.  He  notes 
under  date  of  July  6,  1776,  two  months  following  Wash- 
ington's statement,  that  Governors  Island  has  a  large  and 
strong  work — "Observe  the  Rebels  have  fortified  Governor's 
Island  very  strongly" — and  on  July  12,  1776,  that  "About 
half  after  three  in  the  Afternoon  His  Majesty's  Ship  Phcenix, 
commanded  by  Captain  Parker,  and  the  Rose,  by  Captain 
Wallace,  with  the  Tr}al  Schooner  and  two  Tenders  got  under 
sail  to  pass  the  Town  of  New  York. 

sK  3|c  :4c  9lc  :fc  SfE  :)c 

*  Stephen  Kemble  was  born  in  New  Brunswick,  New  Jersey.  In  1740 
he  was  commissioned  an  Ensign  in  H.  M.  44th  Rcgt.  of  Foot,  and  in  1765 
a  captain  in  the  Royal  Americans,  H.  M.  60th  Foot. 

Colonel  Kemble  served  under  General  Gage  and  Sir  William  Howe 
later  in  Boston,  and  in  1779  joined  the  60th  Foot  in  Jamaica. 

48 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

They  received  the  whole  of  the  Rebel  fire  from  Red  Hook, 
Governors  Island,  the  Battery  and  from  some  Guns  in  the 
Town.  *  *  *  At  half  past  four  the  ships  were  past  all 
the  Batteries.    Number  of  Shots  fired  by  the  Rebels,  196. 

The  "Asia"  was  a  64  gun  ship  of  the  Line,  the  latest  and 
most  formidable  of  her  class,  under  command  of  Captain 
George  Vandeput. 

The  "Phoenix",  a  frigate  of  44  guns,  was  under  com- 
mand of  Captain  (later  Admiral)  Hyde  Parker.  The 
"Rose",  a  30  gun  frigate,  was  commanded  by  Sir  James 
Wallace. 

This  was  in  the  summer  of  1776,  and  a  fleet  which  even 
in  these  days  would  seem  large  was  lying  ofif  the  Harbour  of 
New  York  in  preparation  for  attack.  There  were  50  war- 
ships and  200  transports  convoyed  by  a  squadron  of  battle- 
ships headed  by  the  "Cerebus"-  and  the  "Centurion".  The 
Coldstream  Guards  numbered  959,  including  39  commis- 
sioned officers  and  103  non-commissioned  officers.  There 
were  with  the  Coldstreams  86  women  and  17  children,  1204 
in  all,  pent  in  9  small  merchant  vessels. 

American  forces  defending  the  Port  with  the  land  batteries 
were  stationed  at  Red  Hook,  Hoorn's  Hook,  Paulus  Hook, 
the  Grand  Battery  and  Governors  Island  and  along  the 
Hudson  as  far  as  Fort  Washington,  with  hulks  sunk  off 
Governors  Island  in  the  East  River. 

The  Master  of  the  "Rose"  describes  the  effect  of  our  fire 
as  follows : 

"The  Rebels  shot  away  the  starboard  foreshroud  Fore- 
tackle  Pendant  Forelift,  foretopsail  clewline  Spritsail  and 
main  topsail  braces  with  one  ten  pound  shott  thr'o  the  head 
of  the  foremast". 

It  is  quite  evident  that  our  gunners  had  the  range  of  the 
"Rose",  but  nevertheless  the  fleet  made  good  its  escape  and 

49 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

proceeded  to  the  quieter  reaches  of  the  Tappan  Zee,  only  to 
meet  defeat  under  the  shadow  of  the  PaHsades  about  a 
month  later. 

In  this  battle,  August  i6th.  1776,  the  CJwrlotfa  was 
totally  destroyed. 

In  August  Lord  Stirling  wrote  :*  "The  General  bids  me 
say  that  in  our  present  situation  Governor's  Island  is  more 
strong  and  better  guarded  than  any  other  post  in  the  Army." 

The  obstructions  between  Governors  Island  and  the  Bat- 
tery mentioned  in  orders  consisted  of  hulks  sunk  in  the 
Channel. 

Cooperating  with  the  defences  at  Governors  Island,  which 
in  those  days  of  short  range  might  be  almost  considered  as 
outworks,  were  others  in  the  City  itself  and  it  may  surprise 
the  reader  of  today  to  know  of  their  number  in  close 
proximity  to  Governors  Island.  General  Washington  had, 
very  shortly  after  July  4,  1776.  a  force  of  20,000  men,  poorly 
equipped,  armed  and  disciplined.  They  manned,  among 
other  works,  the  following:  Grand  Battery  (still  called  The 
Battery),  23  guns:  Fort  George,  Bowling  Green,  2  guns; 
McDougall's  Battery,  just  west  of  Trinity  Church,  4  guns; 
Grenadier's  (or  Circular)  Battery,  north  of  this  point,  5 
guns ;  Jersey  Battery,  near  this,  5  guns ;  Coenties'  Battery  on 
the  East  River,  5  guns ;  Waterbury's  Battery,  7  guns ;  and  at 
other  points  near  by,  all  within  a  small  radius,  Thompson's 
Battery,  9  guns;  the  Independent  Battery,  on  Centre  Street 

*  Fort  Stirling  was  situated  on  Brooklyn  Heights,  near  the  present 
Montagu  Street.  Lord  Stirling,  born  in  New  York,  was  heir  to  a  Scotch 
title.  He  married  the  daughter  of  Philip  Livingston.  He  was  Colonel 
of  the  1st  New  Jersey  Regiment  of  Militia  and  after  the  Battle  of  Long 
Island  received  the  commission  of  Major  General  from  the  Continental 
Congress. 

50 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

and  breastworks  at  Peck,  Beekman,  Burling,  Coenties  and 
Old  Slips,  the  Cofifee  House,  Exchange,  Broad  Street  and 
others,  besides  Brooklyn  Heights,  Red  Hook,  and  a  line  of 
works  from  Fort  Green  at  the  Wallabout  (now  New  York 
Navy  Yard)  to  Gowanus  Creek.  There  was  also  a  "barrier" 
or  fortified  line  across  the  Island  which  crossed  the  Bowery 
in  the  line  of  the  present  Grand  Street.  This  was  begun  in 
1775  and  strengthened  by  the  British  during  their  occupation 
of  the  City,  1 776-1 783. 

With  this  description  may  be  compared  a  letter  from  Peter 
Elting  to  Capt.  Richard  Varick  under  date  of  30th  Jvily,  1776, 
in  which  he  says : 

"You  would  be  surprised  to  see  what  Number  of 
Empty  houses  there  are  in  this  place  Verry  few  of  the 
inhabitants  Remain  in  town  that  are  not  ingaged  in 
the  Service.  *  *  *  Great  preparations  are  making 
here  With  Shiver  de  freeses  and  Vessels  to  stop  up 
the  Channel  &  sundry  fire  ships  preparing  two  Brigs 
are  Ready,  something  great  will  Be  attempted  soon  five 
or  seven  Rogallies  are  already  Come  down  from  the 
Eastward  *  *  *  ^]^q  flgg^  Remains  Verry  Quiet 
But  the  men  of  the  two  menwar  up  the  River  have  a 
small  brush  Once  in  a  While  with  our  Guards  long  the 
River." 

The  reader  who  needs  a  translation  of  some  of  the  terms 
used  in  this  letter  for  the  information  of  Captain  Varick  will 
find  it  in  the  Memoirs  of  Major  General  William  Heath,  who 
notes  therein,  on  the  next  day  after,  August  ist,  that  thirty 
British  sail  have  arrived  at  the  Hook  and  that  three  or  more 
row-gallies  have  gone  up  the  Hudson,  and  further,  that  in 
bringing  the  hulks,  cheveux  de  frise,  &c.,  round  from  the 
East  River  to  the  Hudson  one  sloop  was  sunk  between 
Governors  Island  and  the  Grand  Battery. 

51 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

General  Putnam  arrived  in  New  York  on  April  4th,  1776, 
and  wrote  to  the  President  of  Congress : 

"After  getting  the  works  in  such  forwardness  as  will  be 
prudent  to  leave  I  propose  immediately  to  take  possession  of 
Governor's  Island  which  I  think  a  very  important  Post." 
The  works  in  June  mounted  four  32  and  four  18  pdrs. 

On  April  9th  Colonel  Silliman  of  Connecticut  wrote  to  his 
wife :  "Last  evening  draughts  were  made  from  a  number  of 
Regiments  here,  mine  among  the  rest,  to  the  number  of  1000 
men.  With  these,  and  a  proper  number  of  officers  Gen'l. 
Putnam  at  candle  lighting  embarked  on  Board  of  a  nimiber 
of  vessels  with  a  large  Number  of  intrenching  tools  and 
went  directly  on  *  *  *  Nutten  Island  where  they  have 
been  intrenching  all  night  *  *  *  and  have  got  a  good 
Breast  work  there  raised  which  will  cover  them  from  the 
fire  of  the  Ships." 

Major  John  Lillie  in  a  letter  to  General  Sam  Smith  of 
Maryland  writes  that  he,  in  August,  1776,  being  then  a 
Lieutenant  of  Artillery,  with  6  men  in  small  boats,  unspiked 
some  of  the  cannon,  fired  on  the  Roebuck  of  44  guns  and 
drove  her  from  her  anchorage,  then  going  on  the  Island  with 
100  men  he  carried  the  guns  and  stores  to  New  York. 

Order  of  General  Washington 

-  Headquarters,  New  York 

June  30th,  1776. 

Parole  :  Philadelphia  Countersign  :  Holland 

26,000  musket  cartridges  are  to  be  sent  to  Colonel  Prescott 
on  Governors  Island  with  some  flints.  The  Brigadiers  are  to 
order  a  circle  marked  round  the  several  Redoubts.  Small 
brush  may  be  set  up  to  make  the  line  more  distinct.     *     *     * 

52 


HISTORY   OP    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  Countersign  in  future  is  to  be  delivered  by  the  Ad- 
jutant General  to  the  Brigade  Majors  and  Adjutants  of 
Artillery  at  6  p.  m.    *     *     * 

General  Heath  is  to  order  the  House  and  Barn  on 
Governors  Island  to  be  consumed. 

K.N. 


The  following  Orders  issued  at  this  time  show  clearly  the 
state  of  the  Garrison  and  City.     (Valentine's  Manual) 

April  5th,  1776 

The  Soldiers  are  strictly  enjoined  to  retire  to  their 
barracks  and  quarters  at  tattoo  beating  and  remain  there  until 
reveille  is  beat.  Necessity  obliges,  and  the  General  desires, 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  City  observe  the  same  rule  as  no 
person  will  be  permitted  to  pass  any  sentry  after  this  night 
without  countersign. 

The  inhabitants  whose  business  requires  it  may  know  the 
countersign  by  applying  to  any  of  the  Brigade  Majors. 

Headquarters,  New  York, 
April  8th,  1776. 

The  General  informs  the  inhabitants  that  all  communica- 
tion* between  the  ministerial  fleet  and  the  shore  should  im- 
mediately be  stopped  and  the  ships  should  no  longer  be 
furnished  with  provisions.  *  *  *  p^\\  boats  are  to  sail 
from  Beekman's  Slip.  *  *  *  It  is  ordered  *  *  * 
that  none  attempt  going  without  pass. 

Israel,  Putnam, 
Major  General  Commanding  the  Army 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Forces  in  New  York 

*  The   "Asia"   was   served   by   the   springs   on   Governors   Island   for 
watering  till  the  arrival  of  Genl.  Putnam  at  this  time. 

53 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

On  July  3rd,  1776,  to  show  he  was  ready  for  what  was  to 
occur  next  day,  Colonel  Prescott  reports :  "Governors  Island 
is  fortified  by  a  citadel  and  outworks,  mounting  four  32  pdrs 
and  four  18  pdrs,  manned  by  Prescott's  and  Nixon's  Regts." 

K.  N. 

The  Nctv  York  Gazette  announces  that  on  "Monday 
night  1000  Continental  troops  stationed  here  went  over  and 
took  possession  of  Governor's  Island  and  began  to  fortify  it." 

General  Putnam  lived  at  this  time  in  No.  i,  Broadway, 
Bowling  Green,  in  a  house  called  the  Kennedy  House.  Since 
1643  o'^^y  three  houses  have  occupied  this  site.  The  present 
one  is  called  the  Washington  Building  on  account  of  the  fact 
that  General  Washington  frequently  visited  the  original  Ken- 
nedy House  on  the  same  site. 

Col.  Wm.  Douglas  in  a  letter  to  his  wife,  Northford,  Conn., 
dated  N.  York  Aug'st  31,  1776,  says: 

"We  have  evacuated  Governor's  Island  where  we  have  lost 
some  cannon.  They  fired  smartly  from  Fort  Stirling  yester- 
day at  our  boats  passing  from  Governor's  Island." 

In  thinking  of  an  historical  period  far  removed  from  our 
own  time  one  is  apt  to  have  in  mind  a  general  impression  or 
composite  picture  of  the  whole  in  which  unknown  details  are 
summoned  up  by  the  imagination  to  form  a  confused  image 
of  the  shadowy  Past.  This  is  unsatisfactory  at  best  and  in 
order  to  make  more  clear  to  the  reader  the  actual  state  of 
affairs  at  this  time  in  the  history  of  our  City  and  Island, 
when  Putnam  and  his  men  came  over  in  all  haste  at  candle 
lighting  to  fortify  against  the  British  attack,  an  extract  fol- 
lows from  Lamb's  History  of  New  York.  With  its  aid 
one  seems  to  live  in  the  scenes  of  war  preparation  it  so 
admirably  illuminates.  "New  York  was  one  of  the  busiest 
spots  on  the  Western  Continent  just  now.    Men  were  working 

54 


HISTORY   OF    GOVF.RNORS   ISLAND 

night  and  day  on  the  forts,  troops  were  coming  in  from  all 
quarters  of  the  compass  in  the  most  picturesque  and  greatest 
variety  of  costume.  The  old  red  coats  used  in  the  French  War 
had  been  brought  from  the  garrets  and  turned  to  account  in 
Connecticut.  In  juxtaposition  with  the  tow  colored  frocks 
worn  by  her  volunteers  appeared  every  now  and  then  a  dingy 
regimental  of  scarlet  with  a  tarnished  three-cornered  laced 
hat.  Some  of  the  Marylanders  wore  green  hunting 
shirts  with  leggings  to  match.  Troops  came  from 
Delaware  in  dark  blue  coats  with  red  facings.  Some 
of  the  New  Jersey  riflemen  were  in  short  red  coats  and 
striped  trousers;  others  in  short  blue  coats,  old  leather 
breeches,  light  blue  stockings,  shoes  with  brass  buckles 
and  wool  hats  bound  with  yellow.  The  Pennsylvania  Regi- 
ments were  in  all  the  colours  of  the  rainbow — brown  coats 
faced  with  buff",  blue  coats  faced  with  red,  brown  coats 
faced  with  white  and  studded  with  great  pewter  buttons, 
buckskin  breeches  and  black  cocked  hats  with  white  tape 
bindings,  also  blue  coats  faced  with  white.  The  Virginians 
wore  white  smock-frocks  furbelowed  with  ruffles  at  the  neck, 
elbows  and  wrist,  black  stocks,  hair  in  queues  and  round- 
topped  broad-brimmed  black  hats.  A  little  later  the  Light 
Dragoons  were  uniformed  in  blue  coats  faced  with  red  or 
in  brown  coats  faced  with  green. 

The  Washington  Guards  wore  blue  coats  faced  with  bufif, 
red  waist  coats,  buckskin  breeches,  black  felt  hats  bound  with 
white  tape  and  bayonets  with  belts  of  white.  Hunting  shirts, 
the  'moral  aversion  of  the  Red-coat,'  with  breeches  of  the 
same  cloth  as  the  shirts  gaiter  fashion  about  the  legs  were 
seen  on  every  side,  and  being  convenient  garments  for  cam- 
paigning were  soon  adopted  by  the  British  themselves.  This 
was  the  origin  of  the  modern  trouser  or  pantaloon." 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Of  such  composition  was  the  force  under  General  Putnam 
busy  in  throwing  up  the  breastworks  on  Governors  Island. 
We  can  imagine  the  feverish  haste  of  the  day  and  night 
fortification  work,  the  clumsiness  of  the  hunters,  the  lack  of 
discipline  among  the  farmer  boys,  the  fatigue  of  the  volun- 
teers from  the  counting-house.  We  can  well  believe  many 
brown  coats  with  their  great  pewter  buttons  were  cast  aside 
when  the  pick  and  shovel  were  taken  up  and  that  three- 
cornered  hats  and  ruffles  at  the  neck,  elbows  and  wrist  fared 
badly  in  the  trenches.  These  men  had  coats  of  many  colours, 
but  their  hearts  were  one  for  union  and  defence.  Our 
admiration  and  gratitude  must  be  theirs  as  their  heritage 
is  ours. 

We  read  further  in  Lamb's  interesting  account :  "The 
scene  was  like  one  vast  bee  hive.  Soldiers  and  civilians  ran 
hither  and  thither  in  the  performance  of  some  exacting  duty. 
Aside  from  the  numerous  fortifications  and  batteries  in  and 
around  New  York,  on  Governor's  Island  and  Long  Island, 
barricades  were  thrown  up  in  every  street  leading  to  the 
water,  chiefly  of  mahogany  logs  taken  from  West  India 
cargoes.  City  Hall  Park  was  almost  entirely  enclosed. 
Broadway  was  obstructed  in  front  of  St.  Paul's  Chapel,  a 
barrier  rose  at  the  head  of  Vesey  Street,  another  at  the 
head  of  Barclay,  one  at  the  head  of  Murray  Street,  and 
many  others — at  Centre  St.,  Frankfort  and  Chatham  Streets 
and  an  angular  defence  where  the  Tribune  Building  now 
stands." 


Trinity  Church  was  the  old  Royalist  Parish  of  1697.  The 
citizens,  accustomed  as  they  were  and  had  been  for  three- 
quarters  of  a  century  to  prayers  in  the  Parish  Church  for  the 
King  and  Royal  Family,  demanded  however  that  they  should 
now  cease. 

56 


HISTORY   OP   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  Reverend  Charles  Inghs,  the  Rector,  was  insulted 
wherever  he  went  in  the  streets  and  finally  his  life  was  threat- 
ened if  he  did  not  desist  from  using  the  liturgy  according  to 
the  text.  To  officiate  publicly  and  abstain  from  the  mention 
of  England's  monarch  in  his  supplications  would  be  to  violate 
his  oath  and  the  dictates  of  his  conscience.  His  embarrass- 
ment was  very  great.  One  Saturda}^  morning  a  company  of 
150  soldiers  marched  into  the  church  with  drums  beating 
and  pipes  playing  and  bayonets  glistening  on  their  loaded 
guns.  The  congregation  was  panic  stricken  and  women 
fainted. 

It  was  supposed  that  if  the  Rector  should  read  the  collects 
for  the  King  and  Royal  Family  he  would  be  shot  in  the  sacred 
desk.  But  he  went  on  boldly  to  the  end ;  omitting  no  portion 
of  the  service,  and  although  there  were  restless  and  hostile 
demonstrations  he  escaped  injury. 

In  a  private  letter  to  Peter  Van  Schaack,  23d  February, 
1776,  two  months  before  General  Putnam  began  the  works 
on  Governors  Island,  Frederick  Rhinelander  indicates  the 
feeling  of  alarm  in  the  City  due  to  the  arrival  of  American 
troops  in  force,  when  he  says :  "To  see  the  vast  number  of 
houses  shut  up  one  would  think  the  City  almost  evacuated. 
Women  and  children  are  scarcely  seen  in  the  streets." 

In  a  note  of  the  same  period  we  read:  "Friday,  Sept.  13, 
1776.  In  the  afternoon  some  Men  of  War  went  up  the 
East  River;  the  few  cannons  left  fired  on  the  ships  which 
caused  that  they  fired  back  from  Long  Island  and  Governor's 
Island,  and  very  smartly." 

This  was  shortly  after  the  Battle  of  Long  Island,.  August 
27,  1776,  the  "day  that  though  so  full  of  sorrow  for  the 
Americans,  shed  so  little  glory  on  British  arms."  Washing- 
ton had  20,000  troops;  Prescott's  and  Nixon's  Regiments 
were   stationed   on   Governors    Island.     Lord   Howe    sailed 

57 


HISTORY    OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

up  the  Bay  and  anchored  near  thfe  Island,  whereupon  our 
troops  withdrew  to  the  mainland,  sustaining  only  one  injury, 
a  soldier  wounded  as  he  was  embarking,  by  a  ball  from  the 
British  man-of-war. 

Judge  Thomas  Jones,  a  staunch  Tory,*  writes  as  follows : 

"Sept.,  1776.  The  rebels  in  their  hurry  upon  leaving  Long 
Island  left  the  Garrison  upon  Nutten  Island  (which  they  had 
strongly  fortified)  consisting  of  2,000  men,  40  pieces  of 
heavy  cannon,  military  stores  and  provisions  in  abundance 
without  the  least  means  of  quitting  the  Island.  The  Royal 
Army  consisted  of  near  30,000  men  *  *  *  yet  no  steps 
were  taken  to  make  prisoners  of  the  garrison  and  get  posses- 
sion of  the  forts,  stores,  artillery  and  provisions. 

In  the  evening  of  the  same  day  (unaccountable  as  it  is)  a 
detachment  of  the  rebel  Army  went  from  New  York  to 
Nutten  Island  with  a  number  of  boats  and  carried  off  the 
troops,  the  stores,  artillery  and  provisions.     *     *     *" 

Had  Lord  Howe  taken  his  fleet  up  the  East  River  on  the 
day  of  the  action  upon  Long  Island  and  the  River  been  lined 
with  the  ships  from  Governors  Island  to  Hellgate,  "not  a 
rebel  would  have  escaped  from  Long  Island.  But  this  was 
not  done,  and  why  it  was  not  done,  let  the  brothers  Howe 
tell." 

A  more  detailed  account  of  this  action  is  found  in  a  con- 
temporary note  by  a  Royalist :  "In  the  evening  of  the  27th 
of  August  the  army  (British)  encamped  in  front  of  the 
enemy's  works.  On  the  28th  at  night  they  broke  ground 
600  yards  from  a  redoubt  upon  their  left  and  on  the  29th  at 
night  the  Rebels  evacuated  their  intrenchments  and  Red  Hook 

*  The  Honourable  Thomas  Jones  of  Fort  Neck  in  Queen's  County, 
Long  Island,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College  and  one  of  the  Judges  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

Note  by  the  late  Kevd    Wm.  Jones  Seabury,  D.  D.,  a  grt  gdson  of  Bishop  Seabury. 

58 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

(Brooklyn  opposite  Governors  Island)  with  the  utmost 
silence  and  quitted  Governors  Island  the  following  evening, 
leaving  their  cannon  and  a  quantity  of  stores  in  the  works. 

At  daybreak  on  the  30th  their  flight  was  discovered.  The 
piquets  of  the  line  took  possession  and  those  most  advanced 
reached  the  shore  opposite  New  York  as  their  rear  guard  was 
going  over  and  fired  some  shot  among  them. 

Admiral  Howe  at  this  time  sent  up  four  ships  which  an- 
chored about  two  miles  below  the  Island  and  kept  up  a  most 
tremendous  fire  against  the  rebel  fortifications  there." 

Cannon  balls  are  frequently  dug  up  on  the  Island,  as  in 
making  the  foundations  for  the  new  Chapel  in  1905,  in  laying 
the  water  mains  across  the  parade  and  in  digging  trenches 
for  telephone  cables.  In  fact,  digging  of  any  considerable 
amount  always  discloses  old  cannon  balls  which  are  be- 
lieved to  be,  or  some  of  them  at  least,  from  this  bombardment. 
The  British  forces  under  General  Howe  and  Admiral  Howe 
seized  Governors  Island  shortly  after  this  and  occupied  it  until 
the  evacuation  of  New  York  in  1783. 

The  Battle  of  Long  Island  occurred  on  August  27th. 
Washington  called  a  Council  of  War  on  September  12th, 
which  decided  to  evacuate  the  City.  On  September  15  th  the 
British  occupied  the  City.  "Once  more,"  says  Jenkins  in 
"The  Greatest  Street  in  the  World,"  "the  banner  of  Great 
Britain  flew  over  the  ramparts  of  the  Fort,  while  the  parade 
was  trodden  by  men  in  the  red  coats  of  the  English,  the 
kilts  of  the  Highlanders  and  the  green  coats  of  General 
Gage's  men.  *  *  *  They  all  departed  forever  on  No- 
vember 25th,  1783,  when  the  American  Army  of  occupation 
resumed  possession  of  the  City  and  Fort  and  flung  its  starry 
banner  to  the  breeze."  Botta,  writing  of  the  action  of  the 
retreat  after  the  Battle  of  Long  Island,  says:  "Whoever 
will  attend  to  all  the  details  of  this  retreat  will  easily  believe 

59 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

that  no  military  operation  was  ever  conducted  with  more 
ability  or  prudence."  He  might  have  added  that  arms,  am- 
munition and  stores  were  never  taken  away  from  their 
victorious  captors  by  the  defeated  with  more  skill  and  im- 
pudence. 

The  American  forces  at  this  time  were  not  able  to  hold 
New  York,  as  the  following  letter  from  the  highest  authority 
indicates : 

8th  September,  1776. 

That  the  enemy  mean  to  winter  in  New  York,  there 
can  be  no  doubt;  that  they  can  drive  us  out  is  equally 
clear.  Nothing  seems  to  remain  but  to  determine  the 
time  of  their  taking  possession. 

G.  Washington. 

Whereupon  Congress  resolved  that  the  President  should 
inform  General  Washington  it  was  by  no  means  the  sense  of 
Congress  in  their  resolves  of  the  3rd  instance  respecting  New 
York  that  the  Army  or  any  part  of  it  should  remain  in  that 
City  a  moment  longer  than  he  should  consider  proper. 

Governors  Island  remained  in  the  possession  of  the  British 
troops,  who  fortified  it  heavily,  from  1776  until  the  restora- 
tion of  peace  in  1783. 

The  following  extracts  from  "Revolutionary  Papers" 
(New  York  Historical  Society)  throw  light  upon  the  activ- 
ities of  the  British  during  their  occupation  of  Governors 
Island. 

In  1779,  Gen'l.  Pattison,  the  English  Commandant,  wrote 
to  the  Lord  Townshend  that  "he  is  repairing  the  ruined 
fortifications  and  batteries  erected  by  the  Rebels  on  Governors 
Island.  We  secured  by  public  appeal  the  services  of  500 
citizens,  a  great  many  of  them  merchants  and  shopkeepers, 
who  with  great  cheerfulness  labored  at  the  fortifications  and 

60 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

would  accept  no  pay.    Those  who  required  pay  received  ten 
shilHngs  and  rations  per  day." 

We  have  little  information  regarding  the  period  of  occupa- 
tion by  the  British.  The  following  letters  and  orders  are  of 
interest  and  value  in  throwing  light  upon  this  era  of  the 
Island's  history : 

To  Admiral  Arbuthnot  : 

Major  General  Pattison  presents  his  Compliments  to 
Admiral  Arbuthnot  and  is  justly  sensible  of  his  kind  dis- 
position to  contribute  to  the  Comfort  of  the  Army  and 
*  *  *  the  Sick  of  the  Troops  will  be  removed  to 
Governor's  Island  to-morrow. 

New  York,  Sept.  i,  1779. 


An  order  of  Sept.  29,  1779,  directs  that  by  orders  of 
Major  General  Pattison  a  "daily  allowance  of  provisions, 
Rum  and  Spruce  Beer  be  issued  to  300  laborers  employed 
on  the  King's  works  on  Governors  Island  and  that  tents, 
blankets,  camp  kettles,  fuel  and  boats  be  ready  at  6  o'clock 
in  the  morning  at  White  Hall." 

New  York,  Oct.  4,  1779. 
To  Major  AndrAi 

Sir: 

I  am  directed  by  Major  Gen'l.  Pattison  to  acquaint 
you  that  *  *  *  he  has  deferred  giving  orders  for 
removing  Lieut.  Col.  Buskirk's  Battalion  to  Governor's 
Island  till  His  Excellency  the  Commander-in-Chief's 
Pleasure  shall  be  known.  *  *  *  ^5  there  are  150 
of  Lowesberg's  Regiment  returning  from  sea,  *  *  * 
the  greater  part  of  Buskirk's  Battalion  might  be  sent 
to  Governor's  Island. 

61 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Gen'l.  Pattison  therefore  requests  that  you  will  take 
His  Excellency's  Commands.     I  am,  etc. 

Major  Andre  Step.  P.  AydE, 

A.  D.  C. 

New  York,  December  2,  1779. 

To  CAPTAIN  Mercer, 

Sir:— 

I  am  directed  by  Major  Gen'l  Pattison  to  signify  to 
you  that  it  is  indispensably  necessary  that  Guard  should 
be  on  Governor's  Island  for  the  protection  of  the  Bas- 
tions, etc.,  the  Guns  being  at  present  exposed  to  be 
spiked  every  night.  He  desires  that  a  Guard  Room 
sufficient  to  contain  20  men  may  be  erected  there  and 
that  you  will  inform  him  when  it  is  ready. 

I  have,  etc. 

Capt.  Mercer  S.  P.  A. 

Com'dg.  Eng'r.  (Step.  P.  Ayde) 


As  a  state  of  alarm  among  the  British  is  disclosed  in  the 
foregoing  order  of  1779,  so  the  dawn  of  peace  is  suggested 
in  the  following  report  from  General  Heath : 

Headquarters 
Continental  Village,  Sept.  23rd,  1781. 

To  Governor  Clinton, 

Sir:— 

I  am  honoured  by  yours  of  the  22nd.  *  *  *  An 
account  from  Long  Island  says  a  74  gun  ship  was  taken 
and  that  three  were  dismasted.  The  greatest  part  of  the 
troops  with  Governor  Clinton  are  embarked. 

62 


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HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

All  the  heavy  cannon  both  of  the  Grand  Battery  and 
of  Governor's  Island  have  been  taken  on  board  the  ships. 

W.  Heath, 

Major  General. 

There  are  few  records  known  to  exist  during  the  inter- 
vening years  relative  to  Governors  Island.  The  war  ceased 
in  1783  and  from  the  Clinton  MSS.  the  following  orders 
are  taken : 

Amphion,  off  New^  York, 

25th  November  1783. 

Governor  Clinton. 

Sir: — 

I  have  given  orders  that  all  the  Buildings  now  re- 
maining upon  Governor's  Island  shall  be  left  untouched, 
whenever  I  am  able  to  leave.    I  am,  sir,  your  most 

Obed't  humble  servt. 

(Admiral)  Rob't.  Digby 


Governor's  Island, 
Dec.  3rd.  1783. 

7  A.  M. 

Sir:— 

Having  received  orders  from  Rear  Admiral  Digby  to 
withdraw  the  Guard  together  with  the  whole  Naval  Hos- 
pital from  this  Island  I  acquaint  your  Excellency  that  at 
the  hour  of  eleven  a.  m.  this  day  the  Guard  together 
with  the  Naval  Hospital  will  be  withdrawn  from  the 
Island.     *     *     * 

I  am  also  desired  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  the 
only  property  disposed  of  belonging  to  Government  on 
Governor's  Island  are  the  hulls  of  two  Brigantines 
hauled  up  on  each  side  of  the  wharf. 

63 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

I  shall  do  myself  the  honour  to  inclose  for  your  Excel- 
lency's better  information  a  list  of  the  different  buildings 
regularly  numbered  with  the  keys  to  the  person  you  shall 
think  it  fit  to  take  charge  of  them  from  Lieutenant  Gra- 
ham. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  obed't 
and  most  humble  serv't 

James  Duncan. 
Capt.  in  the  Navy  etc. 

To  His  Excellency 

Governor  Clinton  etc.  etc. 
State  of  New  York. 


The  descriptive  list  includes  among  other  buildings,  etc., 
a  Captain's  and  Lieutenant's  Barracks  and  Kitchens,  a  guard 
house,  a  convalescent  hospital,  a  barn,  a  gardener's  house,  all 
of  which  have  long  since  disappeared. 

With  the  close  of  the  Revolution  in  1783  the  American 
command  was  reestablished  on  Governors  Island  and  the 
British  works  were  occupied.  That  the  young  Republic  was 
mindful  of  its  dignity  is  shown  by  an  order  from  the  Presi- 
dent through  the  Secretary  of  War  dated  Nov.  18,  1794, 
stating  that  the  Secretary  of  War  Knox  informs  the  Officer 
Commanding  upon  Governors  Island  that  the  Minister  of 
the  French  Republic  has  represented  that  the  French  frigate 
"Semillante"  had  saluted  the  flag  with  fifteen  guns  and  that 
the  fort  had  not  replied  and  that  the  President  of  the  United 
States  wishes  the  Commanding  Officer  immediately  to  fix  a 
time  when  he  would  fire  the  Federal  Salute  of  Fifteen  guns. 

On  April  19,  1795,  Alex.  Thompson,  Capt.  Corps  of  Ar- 
tillerists and  Engineers  respectfully  reports  to  Governor 
Clinton  that  the  French  man-of-war  has  left  the  North  River 
and  that  at  this  time  the  fifteen  gun  salute  was  duly  delivered 
from  the  battery  which  he  commands  on  the  Island. 

64 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Another  bit  of  correspondence  on  the  subject  of  Salutes 
is  interesting  to  compare  with  our  modern  telegraph-tele- 
phone-quick-order-fixed-ammunition methods. 

Governor's  Island, 

Oct.  II,  1794. 
To  His  Excellency. 

Sir: 

Yesterday  morning  Admiral  Murra  sent  a  Lieutenant 
to  this  Island  to  learn  from  me  as  a  commanding  officer 
whether  it  would  be  proper  or  whether  it  had  been 
customary  to  salute  the  Flag  of  the  United  States  at 
such  a  distance  and  what  number  of  guns  would  be 
given.  In  answer  to  his  salute,  I  informed  the  Lieu- 
tenant that  the  Admiral  lay  at  such  a  Distance  I  thought 
it  Improper  to  Salute,  but  should  it  so  happen  that  the 
Admiral  did  Come  Up  within  i  mile  in  a  S.  Direction 
of  this  Island  according  to  Your  Excellency's  orders, 
I  should  Return  his  Salute.  But  as  to  Stipulate  for  the 
No.  of  Guns  it  was  out  of  my  power.  But  that  our  Natl. 
Salute  was  13  at  present. 

Agreeable  to  your  Excellency's  Orders  sometime  ago, 

I  shall  attend  to  Returning  the  Salute  should  the  Admiral 

Come  Up.     Your  Excellence  will  please  to  understand 

.    that  Admiral  Murra  lays  at  the  watering  place  so  called 

here  Staten  Island. 

I  am  Yours  Excellency's 

Most  Obt.  and  Humble  servt. 
Corns.  R.  Sedam, 

Captain  ist  Sub  Legion. 

The  Legion  of  the  United  States  was  organized  March  5, 
1792,  and  comprised  Infantry,  Dragoons  and  Artillery. 
It  consisted  of  four  Sub-Legions,  each  commanded  by 
a  Lieut. -Colonel.  The  ist  Infantry  (1784)  formed  part 
of    the    First    Sub-Legion.       Nov.     i,    1796,    the    Legion 

65 


HISTORY   O^   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

was  disbanded,  the  Infantry  of  the  ist,  2nd,  3rd  and 
4th  Sub-Legions  becoming  respectively  the  ist,  2nd,  3rd 
and  4th  Regiments  of  Infantry.  Two  companies  of  Light 
Dragoons  were  also  formed  from  The  Legion.  The  uniform 
of  the  1st  Sub-Legion  was  white  binding  upon  their  caps, 
with  W'hite  plumes  and  black  hair. 

The  following  are  of  interest  in  this  connection: 

Vol.  XXI,  Wayne  MSS.,  p.  89:  From  Pittsburg,  13  Sept. 
1792,  Wayne  wrote  to  H.  Knox,  Sec'y  War,  Phila: — 

"Standards,  Batt"  and  Camp  Colors  are  much  wanted 
for  parade  and  manoeuvering." 

P.  112,  Vol.  XXI,  Wayne  MSS.,  21  Sept.,  1792,  gives 
letter  Sec'y  K.  to  W.,  page  4  of  which — extract: 

"There  were  four  excellent  large  standards  forwarded 
the  last  year  for  the  first  regt.  (Lt.  Col.  Josiah  Har- 
mon), and  the  second  regt.  (Maj.  David  Strong)  and 
for  the  two  regts.  of  (Pa.)  levies.  They  are  now  packed 
up  at  Fort  Washington  (Cincinnati). 

"With  some  change  of  colouring  as  to  denote  the 
Sub  Legions,  they  would  answer  perfectly  for  Sub 
Legionary  standards.  They  were  of  silk,  and  were  ex- 
pensive ;  battalion  colours  shall  be  prepared  and  also 
camp  colours. 

"The  Legionary  Standard,  if  approved  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  ought  to  be  the  representation 
of  a  bald  Eagle  as  large  as  life,  formed  of  silver.  If 
this  idea  should  not  be  adopted,  something  of  the  flagg 
kind  will  be  devised." 

Vol.  XXVIII,  p.  76:  Ft.  Hamilton,  16  Aug.,  1793  Wil- 
kinson to  Wayne. 

"To  Capt.  (Howell  or  Thomas)  Lewis  (3rd  Rifle 
Batt"  3d  Sub  Legion)  I  have  committed  the  Standards 
of  the  late  ist  and  2d  Regiments  with  orders  to  perish 
with  his  whole  detachment,  or  deliver  them  in  safety  to 
your  Excellency's  hands." 

66 


history  of  governors  isi.and 

Orde;rIvY  Book  of  1786- 1787 

Colonel  Henry  Burbeck,  Artillery,  commanded  Fort  Co- 
lumbus in  1810  and  his  orders  are  quoted  in  Chapter  III.  An 
Orderly  Book  belonging  to  him  when  he  was  Captain  has 
recently  been  loaned  to  the  Author  for  purposes  of  quota- 
tion by  the  present  owner,  Captain  Chandler  Smith,  V.  C.  A., 
a  great-grandson  of  Colonel  Burbeck. 

The  Orderly  Book,  dated  War  Office,  26th  December, 
1786,  begins  with  the  Artillery  Uniform  as  ordered  by  the 
Secretary  at  War,  under  date  of  30th  January,  1787. 

As  worn  on  Governors  Island  at  that  period  it  was  as 
follows : 

Artillery  Uniform 

Hats  cocked,  yellow  trimmings.  Coats  Blue,  scarlet  lapels, 
cuffs  and  standing  collars,  cape  to  the  knee,  scarlet  lining  and 
yellow  buttons.  Vests  white  with  short  flaps,  three  buttons 
on  each  pocket.  Cockades  of  black  leather.  Shoulder  straps 
Blue  edged  with  Red  on  both  shoulders.  Feathers  Black  and 
Red  tops. 

Epaulettes  . .  Officers  gold.  Captains  i  epaulette  on  the 
right  shoulder  and  2  rows  of  bullion.  Sergeants  2  epaulettes 
of  yellow  worsted.  Corporals  i  Epaulette  right  shoulder. 
Swords  sabre  form,  yellow  mounted.  The  Uniform  of  the 
Music  to  be  Red  faced  with  Blue. 

The  sentences  in  that  day  as  given  in  this  book  were  severe. 
At  a  court  martial  held  May  4th,  1787,  of  which  Cap- 
tain Savage  was  President,  three  soldiers  of  the  Federal 
Artillery  were  "tryed"  for  serious  offences  and  upon  convic- 
tion were  sentenced  to  receive  one  hundred  lashes  each  on 
the  naked  back  and  to  be  drummed  off  the  Island.  At  an- 
other "tryal"  the  punishment  was  to  wear  the  log  two  days 
and  to  attend  roll  call  with  it. 

67 


HISTORY   OP    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

At  another  to  wear  the  Log  chained  to  the  leg  six  days. 
At  another  a  matross*  in  Captain  Savage's  Company  sen- 
tenced to  ask  pardon  of  Lieutenant  Pierce  on  the  Parade  in  a 
very  submissive  manner  and  to  be  Log'd  one  week  and  to 
do  the  necessary  fatigue  with  it  and  to  attend  roll  calls.  Sev- 
eral entries  in  this  book  are  dated  West  Point  and  Spring- 
field but  the  references  are  to  men  in  Captain  Burbeck's 
Company  at  both  Posts.  One  of  these,  dated  I2th  Novem- 
ber, 1787,  West  Point,  records  the  court  martial  of  Rob't 
Welsh,  "a  Soldr  in  the  ist  American  Regiment."  A  note  on 
this  to  the  Author  from  R.  C.  Ballard  Thruston,  Esq.,  Presi- 
dent of  the  Sons  of  the  American  Revolution,  says :  "At  that 
time  (1787)  there  was  only  one  Regiment  and  I  am  satisfied 
that  Regiment  carried  the  Flag  at  Governors  Island"  (the 
one  in  the  Chapel). 

The  Assessment  Roll  of  1793  gives  Nutten  Island  as 
valued  at  £800  and  the  tax  was  fixed  at  £4  7s  4d. 

K.N. 

On  February  28,  1794,  the  Committee  of  the  House  of 
Congress  directed  to  report  on  such  Harbour  forts  as  re- 
quired to  be  put  in  a  proper  state  of  defence  made  a  report 
in  relation  to  Governors  Island  stating  that  the  expense  of 
constructing  batteries,  embrasures  and  platforms  for  24  pieces 
was  $1727.52;  a  redoubt  for  embrasures,  $810;  a  magazine. 
$200;  a  block  house  or  barracks,  $500. 

On  March  26,  1794,  Congress  appropriated  for  fortifica- 
tions on  Governors  Island  $150,000. 

This  expenditure  was  under  the  direction  of  George  Clin- 
ton, Mathew  Clarkson,  James  Watson,  Rich'd  Varick,  Nich- 
olas Fish,  Ebenezer  Stevens  and  A.  Hammond. 

*  This  term,  signifying  gunner's  assistant  in  the  Artillery  service,  is 
now  obsolete  or  historical. 

68 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

A  further  sum  of  $100,000  was  appropriated  on  April  6, 
1795,  to  complete  the  works  on  Governors  and  ElHs'  Islands. 

In  1797  $30,117  were  appropriated  for  the  Fort  now 
known  as  Fort  Jay.  Such  was  the  fear  of  French  invasion 
that  the  Professors  and  Students  of  Columbia  College  came 
to  the  Island  and  worked  with  shovels  and  barrows  to  com- 
plete the  work.  The  Garrison  at  this  time  consisted  of  one 
Major,  one  Captain,  one  Surgeon,  two  ist  Lieutenants,  one 
cadet,  three  Sergeants,  one  corporal,  four  musicians,  five 
artificers  and  34  privates. 

The  Fort  Buildings  in  1797 

The  Works  of  1797  on  Governors  Island  were  largely 
erected  by  citizens  of  New  York. 

"The  whole  body  of  carpenters  and  joiners,  the  body  of 
masons,  grocers,  school  masters,  coopers  and  barbers,  attor- 
neys and  men  connected  with  the  law  handle  the  mattock  and 
shovel  the  whole  day  and  carry  provisions  with  them." 

This  quotation  from  Wansey's  Excursion  prepare  us  for 
the  following  which  is  important  as  disclosing  the  identity 
of  the  Engineer  who  planned  the  works : 

"The  fortifications  erected  upon  Governors  Island  to  de- 
fend the  entrance  to  the  Harbour  are  partly  of  brick  and 
partly  of  earth,  and  are  in  a  respectable  state  of  defense. 
The  Works  were  begun  three  years  ago  upon  a  very  good 
plane  by  M.  Vincent,  a  French  Engineer.  $80,000  were 
granted  by  Congress  to  be  expended  upon  them." 

K.N. 

In  1798  there  were  built  upon  Governors  Island  a  Guard 
House,  Hospital,  Barracks,  a  large  oven.  Officers'  quarters, 
etc. 

69 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  New  York  Journal 
May  30th,  1790 

has  the  following  advertisement  which  would  be  considered 
rather  cautious  today : 

"November  30th,  1790.  This  day  at  II  there  will  be  a 
Horse  Race  on  Governor's  Island  which,  if  the  weather  is 
fine,  will  give  satisfaction  to  the  Public." 

K.N. 

New  York  Gazette 
April  30th,  1798 

"The  proving  of  Guns  on  Governor's  Island  is  performed 
under  the  eye  of  the  brave  Captain  Barry,  Commander  of  the 
Frigate  United  States." 

K.N. 


In  1799  $30,116  were  appropriated  for  the  work;  in  1800 
$20,124;  in  i8qi  $10,338. 

The  Secretary  of  War  had  reported  to  Congress  in  1794 
that  one  bastion  commanding  two  low  batteries  had  been 
undertaken  but  that  the  works,  being  only  sodded,  would  not 
last  long.  Later,  in  1796,  January  18,  he  reported  that 
Governors  Island  had  been  fortified  with  an  earthen  fort  of 
two  bastions  partly  lined  with  brick  masonry,  two  air 
furnaces,  a  large  powder  magazine  and  barracks. 

From  1 794- 1 797  Quarantine  was  located  here. 

70 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  building  of  Castle  Williams,  and  especially  of  Fort 
Jay,  which  was  forty  years  in  construction  (1794- 183  3)  and 
had  many  periods,  is  difficult  to  describe  smoothly  in  connec- 
tion with  other  events  and  the  reader's  indulgence  is  asked 
for  such  lack  of  sequence  or  repetition  as  he  may  observe. 

In  1 80 1  Fort  Jay  had  a  "handsome  gateway  with  a 
corps  de  garde  drawbridge."  In  connection  with  this  gate- 
way there  is  a  pretty  legend  which,  though  persistent,  can- 


not be  verified  as  to  time  or  person.  The  story  is  that  a 
prisoner  who  was  a  stonecutter  by  trade  was  detailed  to 
make  the  fine  carving  which  adorns  the  gateway.  During 
the  progress  of  the  work  one  day  the  commanding  officer's 
little  daughter  stood  under  the  gateway  with  the  stonecutter 
who  was  inspecting  his  work  from  below.  Just  then  a 
heavy  block  of  stone  or  a  stone  cannon  ball  fell  and  would 
have  killed  the  child,  but  the  prisoner,  too  late  to  pull  her 
aside,  interposed  his  own  body  and  saved  her  life  with 
serious  injury  to  himself.  His  reward  for  the  gallant  act 
was  pardon.     If  the  story  cannot  be  proved,  neither  can  it 

71 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

be  disproved,  and  it  has  been  told  long  enough  to  entitle  it 
to  a  respectful  hearing  and  a  willing  acceptance.* 

In  the  centre  of  the  Fort  Jay  of  1801  was  a  square 
blockhouse  of  timber  two  stories  high,  but  probably  not 
cannon-proof,  with  a  well  under  it.  This  is  probably  the 
block  house  for  which  Congress  appropriated  $500  in  1794. 
As  for  the  well,  as  late  as  1905  the  remains  of  the  super- 
structure of  the  pump  remained  in  situ,  requiring  everyone 
who  crossed  the  quadrangle  to  make  a  detour.  No  further 
improvements  were  made  till  1806,  when  Fort  Jay  was 
demolished,  except  the  walled  counterscarp,  the  gate,  sally 
port,  magazine  and  two  barracks.  All  the  rest  of  the  works 
was  removed  to  allow  of  more  durable  material  to  be  used 
in  construction. 

On  the  site  of  old  Fort  Jay  was  erected  a  new  Fort  with 
the  name  changed  to  Fort  Columbus,  which  name  was 
retained  until  1904  when  by  orders  of  the  War  Department 
it  was  re-named  Fort  Jay.  The  new  fortification  consisted 
of  an  enclosed  pentagonal  work  with  four  bastions  of 
masonry  to  hold  100  guns.  On  three  of  its  sides  it  was 
built  the  same  as  Fort  Jay  the  elder  with  the  addition  of 
14  feet  on  each  side;  and  on  the  north  wall  of  a  ravelin 
with  two  retired  casemated  flanks.  Guns  to  command  the 
(dry)  moat  were  located  here.  Their  casemates  are  now 
bricked  up.     The  minutes  of  the  Military  and  Philosophical 

*  This  legend  has  been  elaborated  into  a  pretty  tale  by  John  J.  Becket, 
published  in  1888.  The  author  makes  the  prisoner  a  Tory  spy  named 
George  Horton  and  concludes  the  story  with  his  marriage,  not  to  the 
Commanding  Officer's  daughter,  as  might  have  been  expected  by  the 
romantic,  but  to  some  one  in  King's  County,  where,  he  says,  some  of 
his  great  grandchildren  are  still  residing.  The  Commanding  Officer's 
daughter  also  marries  and  brings  her  children  to  see  the  sally  port 
carving  which  played  so  important  a  part  in  her  life. 

12 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Society  of  West  Point  (1808)  state  that  two  detached  bat- 
teries were  built  about  this  period,  one  mounting  four  18 
pdrs.  and  one  8  in.  French  mortar,  with  platforms  for  four 
others;  and  the  other,  ten  pieces,  18  and  24  pdrs.  The  para- 
pet had  52  embrasures  and  it  would  take  1,000  men  to  man 
the  parapet.     This  work  was  completed  in  1809. 

Castle  Williams  was  begun  in  1807  and  completed  in  1811, 
as  the  crumbling  dates  in  the  stone  over  the  gateway  set 
forth.  It  was  designed  and  built  by  Lieut. -Colonel  Jonathan 
Williams,  Engineer  Corps.  The  material  of  the  castle  is 
Newark  red  sandstone.  It  rests  on  a  bed  of  rock  at  the 
extreme  northwesterly  point  of  the  Island.  In  form  it  is 
3/5  of  a  circle,  200  feet  in  diameter.  The  walls  are  40  feet 
in  height,  casemated  with  bomb-proof  arches  for  2  tiers  of 
guns.  Guns  were  also  mounted  upon  the  top,  to  which 
access  was  had  by  two  interior  stone  turret  staircases.  The 
walls  are  8  feet  thick  on  the  lower  tier  and  seven  feet  on 
the  upper  tier.  It  had  on  each  side  of  the  gate  on 'the  inside 
a  stone  building.  One  of  these  was  used  for  a  power  maga- 
zine and  one  for  solitary  confinement  at  some  period.  There 
was  a  walk  for  sentry  duty  in  the  thickness  of  the  wall  over 
the  main  gate  and  a  picturesque  stone  sentry  box  at  the 
angle. 

The  stone  buildings  referred  to  here  were  taken  down 
(191 2- 13)  and  the  material  was  used  for  the  building  of  a 
two-story  structure  on  the  same  site.  The  lower  story 
contains  a  guard  house  and  the  upper  story  rooms  for  court 
martial  and  other  purposes.  It  is  an  admirable  re-arrange- 
ment, giving  at  once  much  needed  facilities  for  garrison 
administration  and  increasing  the  military  appearance  of  the 
interior  court  of  the  Castle. 

For  many  years  Castle  Williams  has  been  used  as  a  mili- 
tary prison.     During  the  Civil  War  it  is  said  1500  prisoners 

7i 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

were  confined  in  the  Castle  at  one  time.  All  the  tiers  were 
used  for  the  prisoners  and  a  large  cooking  house  was  erected 
in  the  middle  of  the  court.  A  stockade  was  built  in  front 
of  the  gate  and  strongly  guarded.  The  reveille  gun  and 
saluting  battery  were  mounted  on  the  top  of  the  Castle  and 
a  fog  bell  and  siren  were  a  part  of  its  equipment. 

A  passageway  connected  the  Castle  with  the  main  fort  in 
the  middle  of  the  Island.  Its  remains  are  clearly  visible 
to-day.  What  is  left  of  the  way  extends  from  the  Fort  to 
the  Post  Hospital.  The  rest  of  its  was  destroyed  evidently 
to  make  way  for  modern  constructions  on  the  northern  edge 
of  the  Island,  although  it  may  have  led  to  one  of  the  detached 
batteries  of  1808.  A  large  tree  has  grown  up  in  this 
passage. 

The  question  as  to  the  name  of  the  Castle  frequently 
arising,  it  may  be  of  interest  to  quote  the  order  on  the  subject : 

1ST  Indorsement 
II 1 1 709 

WAR  DEPARTMENT, 

The  Military  Secretary's  Office. 

Washington,  March  20,  1906. 

In  a  letter  dated  New  York,  November  27,  1810, 
addressed  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  Colonel  Jonathan 
Williams  of  the  Corps  of  Engineers  says:  "I  take  the 
earliest  opportunity  of  expressing  my  gratitude  for  the 
high  honour  conferred  upon  me  by  adding  my  name  to 
the  Castle  I  erected  on  the  west  point  of  Governors 
Island  in  this  harbor." 

Accompanying  the  letter  referred  to  above  is  a  copy 
of  an  order  dated  Fort  Columbus,  24  November,  1810, 
issued  by  Colonel  Henry  Burbeck,  commanding  Harbor 
New  York,  which  directs  that  "In  future  the  stone  tower 

74 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

on  this  Island  (by  the  approbation  of  the  Secretary  of 
War)  will  bear  the  name  of  Castle  Williams,  in  honor 
of  the  commandant  of  the  United  States  Corps  of 
Engineers  who  designed  and  erected  it.'' 

E.  F.  Ladd, 

Military  Secretary. 

The  earliest  designation  of  the  Castle  seems  to  have  been 
"The  Tower,"  as  in  the  order  above  quoted  and  also  in  the 
following,  issued  a  year  later : 

Orders:  Fort  Columbus 

7th  Deer,   1811. 

The  practice  of  landing  and  leaving  boats  at  the 
Tower  is  improper.  In  addition  to  violation  of  orders, 
it  gives  a  facility  to  desertion:  boats  therefore  of  any 
description  are  prohibited  landing  at  or  near  Castle 
Williams. 

By  order  of  Col.  Burbeck. 

C.  Van  Deventer, 
Lieut,  and  Acting  Adjutant. 

The  S.  W.  Battery,  built  at  the  lower  end  of  Manhattan 
by  Colonel  Jonathan  Williams,  was  called  Castle  Clinton 
after  May,  1812,  and  in  1823  its  name  was  changed  to  Castle 
Garden.*  The  North  Battery  was  thrown  up  at  the  foot  of 
Hubert  Street,  and  Fort  Gansevort  at  the  foot  of  Gansevort 
Street,  while  to  the  south  were  Forts  Richmond,  Tompkins, 
Hudson  and  Diamond.  These  four  forts  mounted  about  500 
guns. 

*  After  years  of  use  as  a  Concert  hall  and  Immigrant  Station  it  became, 
and  now  is,  the  Municipal  Aquarium. 

75 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Other  early  military  defences  near  Governors  Island  were 
Half  Moon  batteries  at  Coenties  Slip  and  at  the  water  gate 
of  Wall  Street,  now  occupied  by  the  Q.  AI.  Dept.  pier. 

There  were  also  defences  in  those  days  along  Wall  Street 
and  a  curtain  at  the  land  gate,  where  Trinity  Church  was 
built  in  1697.  These  fortifications  were  mounted  with  the 
miniature  guns  of  the  period,  known  as  demi-culverins, 
sakers  and  minions. 


CHAPTER  III. 
Period  of  the  War  of  1812 

The  "Second  War  of  American  Independence"  found  us 
with  an  army  of  10,000  men,  maximum  limit,  composed  of  46 
regiments  of  infantry,  4  rifle  regiments,  an  artillery-  corps,  a 
regiment  of  light  artillery  and  of  dragoons  and  an  engineer 
department.  It  is  interesting  to  notice  that  the  Infantry  regi- 
ments were  to  be  recruited  each  from  the  State  or  district 
assigned.  The  districts  were  numbered,  however,  not  named. 
The  farthest  west  were  the  "territories  of  Indiana,  Michigan, 
Illinois  and  Missouri."  The  district  in  which  Governors 
Island  was  situated  was  designated  as  "New  York  from  the 
sea  to  the  Highlands  of  New  Jersey  except  that  part  of  the 
state  which  furnishes  the  ist  division  of  Militia." 

From  an  old  Garrison  Order  book  of  1810-11  are  taken  the 
few  extracts  following,  some  of  which  may  be  considered 
appropriate  to  a  chapter  on  the  War  of  181 2  as  disclosing 
preparations  for  the  War.  Others  are  interesting  as  remind- 
ing us  of  the  fact  that  human  nature  and  Garrison  conditions 
present  the  same  difficulties  in  one  century  as  in  another. 
Colonel  Burbeck,  who  assumed  command  of  all  the  troops 
in  New  York  Harbour  in  18 10,  shows  an  earnest  desire  in  his 
orders  to  preserve  order  and  to  promote  discipline  in  every 
way. 

This  book  of  orders  is  almost  pathetic  in  its  simplicity. 
It  consists  of  a  number  of  sheets  of  paper,  yellow-brown 
with  age,  tied  together  with  red  tape  of  the  pattern  used 
today,  though  faded  to  a  lighter  shade.  The  penmanship  is 
uniformly  excellent  and  abounds  in  the  graceful  flourishes 
characteristic  of  the  period. 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

They  are  all  signed  Justus,  Post  Adjt,  except  one  signed 
by  L^  Van  De  Venter,  Acts  Adjt  and  one  of  1812  by  Amos 
Stoddard,  Majr  Comdg. 

Colonel  Burbeck  had  served  in  General  Knox's  Regiment, 
Continental  Artillery  and  other  Regiments  from  1775  to 
1789,  and  in  the  Artillery  and  Engineers  to  1798.  Lieut. 
Christopher  Van  De  Venter  entered  the  U.  S.  Military 
Academy  from  New  York  in  1808,  and  Major  Stoddard, 
Major  1st  Artillery  March,  1812,  died  in  1813  of  wounds 
received  at  the  siege  of  Fort  Meigs,  Ohio. 

We  learn  from  the  pages  of  this  book  that  Colonel  Bur- 
beck  assumed  command  of  all  the  troops  in  the  Harbour  of 
New  York  on  the  17th  August,  18 10,  and  issued,  among 
other  orders  from  Fort  Columbus,  several  showing  the  activ- 
ity of  fortification  construction  work.  In  the  first  Garrison 
order  issued,  26th  August,  1810,  occurs  the  following:  *  *  * 

"All's  Well"  will  be  called  out  every  quarter  of  an  hour 
from  Tattoo  till  day  light,  beginning  at  No.  i  at  guard 
house.  All  the  other  sentinels  will  observe  to  answer  the  call 
in  rotation,  *  *  *  j^  doing  which  they  will  observe  to 
turn  their  faces  towards  the  guard  house  that  they  may  be 
the  more  distinctly  heard  by  the  Sergt.  or  Corporal  of  the 
guard  who  will  pay  particular  attention  that  it  be  repeated 
all  around." 

This  order,  dated  Fort  Columbus,  is  signed  "Justus  Post 
Adjt." 

Another  order  of  the  same  month  forbids  all  officers, 
non-commissioned  officers,  soldiers,  citizens  and  all  other 
persons  of  every  description  from  getting  upon  the  parapet, 
and  also  directs  the  Adjutant  to  sign  the  returns  for  the 
extra  Liquor  served  the  fatigue  men  employed  upon  the  public 
works.  On  Sept.  3d  it  was  ordered  that  only  those  prisoners 
confined  in  the  guard  house  who  had  been  sentenced  to  hard 

78 


{^i^iUt-i, 


0%    d^f/A<,L,    /%    '/-' 


C4  I  /'..-/v^'^cs  /J^."^ 


^  iiff:lii-  cJft'  7,1..  ...'    >;.»     '=     "-T  <"    '^   ■ 


FROM    ORIGINAL    ORDER    IN    POSSESSION    OF 

CAPTAIN  CHANDLER  SMITH.  MEMBER  V   C   Artillery 

GT.  GRANDSON  OF  COLONEL  BURBECK 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

labour  would  be  indulged  in  the  privilege  of  their  ration  of 
liquor,  but  that  rations  retained  would  be  left  in  store  and 
the  amount  thereof  appropriated  to  furnish  articles  of 
nourishment  for  the  sick  of  the  Garrison.  An  order  of  1811 
forbids  the  landing  of  rum,  brandy,  gin,  spirits,  cordial  or 
ardent  spirits  of  any  kind  except  for  the  use  of  the  officers 
of  the  Garrison  and  the  ration  liquor  furnished  by  the  Con- 
tractor. Another  states  that  "as  the  smoaking  pipes  or  segars 
in  the  open  air  is  both  dangerous  and  indecorous,"  it  is 
strictly  forbidden  (except  in  quarters)  at  any  post  in  the 
Harbour. 

Still  another  one,  regretting  that  "some  of  the  soldiers  of 
this  Garrison  had  so  far  abandoned  the  strict  principles  of 
honour  as  to  bear  the  stigma  of  a  black  eye  or  a  bruised  face," 
states  that  those  thus  disqualified  will  not  be  permitted  to  ap- 
pear on  parade  or  to  mount  their  guard,  but  will  be  obliged  to 
make  up  all  omitted  tours  of  guard  upon  the  cessation  of 
such  disqualification.  The  commanding  officers  of  Garrisons 
and  Companies  are  ordered  (August  5,  181 1)  never  to  suffer 
more  than  two  men  to  be  absent  in  one  day  on  pass  or 
furlough. 

On  a  military  map  of  the  Island  made  in  1857  cowsheds 
are  shown,  but  an  order  of  this  period  dated  4th  October, 
1 810,  by  Colonel  Burbeck  directs  that  "Swine  being  con- 
sidered a  nuisance  to  a  Garrison  and  improper  animals  to 
range  or  be  harbored,  after  those  which  now  belong  here 
shall  have  been  disposed  of,  none  will  be  sufifered  to  be  landed 
or  kept  upon  the  Island.* 

The  extracts  from  this  Garrison  order  book  will  close 
with  one  upon  a  more  serious  subject. 

*  V.  page  22. 
79 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 


Garrison  Orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

23d  Novr.,  1810. 

The  sixteen  gun  Battery  being  now  completed  it  will 
be  appropriated  to  the  particular  use  of  firing  salutes 
and  the  old  Guard  will  hereafter  be  considered  the  party 
to  perform  that  duty  *  *  *  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  Sergt  Campbell.  No  one  except  the  non- 
commissioned officers  will  go  into  the  Magazine  and 
those  will  be  careful  when  they  enter  it  to  leave  their 
shoes  without  the  door. 


Of  the  period  of  1812  on  Governors  Island  we  learn  many 
interesting  details  through  the  courtesy  of  (the  late)  Brig. 
Genl.  T.  F.  Rodenbough,  who  has  allowed  the  author  to 
quote  from  the  original  MSS.  Garrison  order  book  of  1814- 
15.  This  book  formerly  the  property  of  General  Harvey 
Brown,  was  presented  to  the  Military  Service  Institution 
by  Miss  Emily  Brown.  No  better  idea  of  the  social  manners 
and  military  usages  of  that  day  could  be  given  than  by  a 
few  of  the  quotations  from  this  voluminous  official  record, 
which  the  author  has  the  pleasure  of  doing.  These  orders 
are  written  in  a  clear,  beautiful  hand,  with  a  quill  pen,  and 
show  a  careful  style  of  literary  composition  sadly  lacking 
in  these  days  of  typewriting  haste. 

It  may  be  of  interest  in  this  connection  to  quote  the  Regula- 
tion concerning  stationery  for  the  Army  issued  (May  2, 
1814)  at  this  time: 


To  a  Major  General  as  much  stationery  as  necessary  for  the 
discharge  of  his  public  duties.  To  other  General  officers 
24  quires  of  paper  per  annum. 

80 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

To  a  Major  6  quires  of  paper  and  i  blank  book  per  annum. 
For  the  use  of  every  other  commanding  officer  2  quires  per 
annum  and  a  proportion  of  other  stationery  at  the  rate  of 
50  quills  as  many  wafers  and  a  paper  of  ink  powder  to  each 
6  quires. 

The  orders  include  a  large,  number  of  court  martial  cases 
with  charges  of  desertion,  absence  without  leave  and  dis- 
obedience of  orders.  The  sentences  on  the  whole  appear 
lenient,  the  various  courts  evidently  being  actuated  by  a 
desire  to  temper  justice  with  mercy.  Others  are  of  necessity 
severe,  as  became  a  state  of  war. 

A  few  examples  are  given,  as  throwing  light  on  the  p.^ac- 
tices  of  the  day: 

Garrison  Orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

May  10,  1814. 

^F  3|E  3|»  3|k  tf*  JJS 

At  a  Garrison  Court  Martial  whereof  Lieut.  Bailey 
was  President,  convened  on  the  9th  inst.,  was  tried  the 
following  offender,  .  .  .,  a  private  in  Captn  Swett's 
Company,  charged  with  neglect  of  duty  in  leaving  his 
post,  stealing  whiskey  and  getting  two  of  his  guard 
drunk  while  on  post  on  the  morning  of  the  2d  May, 
1 8 14,  to  which  charge  the  prisoner  pleaded  not  guilty. 
The  court  found  the  prisoner  guilty  of  the  charge  and 
sentenced  him  to  be  confined  four  days  in  the  Black 
Hole  and  to  be  drummed  off  the  Island. 

The  same  court  found  ...  a  private  in  Captn 
Humphrey's  Company  guilty  of  suffering  a  patroling 
party  to  pass  into  the  South  Battery  without  demanding 
the  countersign,  being  himself  a  sentry  at  the  gate,  and 
of  making  use  of  abusive  language  to  the  Sergeant  of 
the  Guard,  and  sentenced  him  to  be  confined  three  days 
in  the  Black  Hole  on  bread  and  water  and  to  have  his 
whiskey  stopped  30  days. 


81 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Apropos  of  the  stoppage  of  whiskey  imposed  in  this  and 
other  sentences,  it  may  be  mentioned  that  on  Dec.  8,  1830,  the 
issue  of  whiskey  was  by  G.  O.  commutated  for  cash  and  on 
Nov.  5,  1832,  this  money  allowance  for  whiskey  was  con- 
verted into  a  coffee  or  ration  allowance. 

The  Black  Hole  referred  to  in  the  orders  of  1814  is  believed 
from  indirect  references  in  other  parts  of  this  order  book  to 
have  been  in  the  building  on  the  hill,  N.  E.  part  of  the  Island. 
An  order  of  Jan.  8,  1915,  orders  the  officer  of  Police  to 
have  the  window  of  the  Black  Hole  stopped  up  and  well 
secured  that  Private  .  .  .  may  begin  his  10  days' 
solitary  confinement  therein. 

A  sentence  which  would  be  considered  to  day  "unusual," 
if  not  "cruel,"  is  seen  in  the  following  order : 

Garrison  Orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

Aug.  13,  1814. 

•F  V  •1'  *!*  *!•  'I* 

A  Garrison  Court  Martial  will  convene  this  morning 
at  10  o'clock  A.  M.  for  the  trial  of  such  prisoners  as  may 
be  brought  before  it.  Capt  Bennete  will  preside.  The 
court  being  duly  sworn  in  the  presence  of  the  Prisoners 
proceeded  to  the  trial  of  .  .  .,  a  private  in  Captn 
Swett's  Company  of  Artillery.  Charge,  theft;  spcfn.. 
stealing  a  watch  from  Private  Bernard.  Plea,  guilty. 
The  court  sentenced  him  to  be  drummed  once  up  and 
down  the  Parade  with  the  rogues'  march,  with  his  coat 
turned  and  the  word  THiEF  written  thereon  in  large 
letters :  further,  that  he  stand  within  view  of  the  evening 
parade  each  day  for  one  week  with  his  coat  in  the  same 
manner,  except  when  on  guard  duty,  and  to  have  his 
whiskey  stopped  for  one  month. 

Another  order  of  this  character  is  noted  under  date  of 
Jan.  19,  181 5,  according  to  which  Corporal     .     .     .     is  to  be 

82 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

"reduced  to  the  ranks  at  guard  mounting  when  his  knot  will 
be  taken  from  his  shoulder  on  parade  in  front  of  the  Bat- 
talion;"  and  Mary  *  *  *  of  Captain  Watson's  Company 
was  convicted  of  conveying  whiskey  to  a  Sentinel  on  post, 
whereupon  the  court  sentenced  her  "to  be  drummed  off  the 
Island  immediately  after  guard  mounting  and  never  to  be 
suffered  to  return." 

Another  order  of  the  same  period  orders  that  Corporal 
*  *  *  shall  have  his  knot  cut  from  his  shoulders  by  the 
smallest  drummer  in  the  Battalion. 

An  Execution  Order  follows : 


Garrison  Orders:  Ft.  Columbus, 

July  7,  1814. 

The  Troops  on  Governor's  Island  will  parade  to- 
morrow morning  at  half  past  11  o'clock  on  the  Grand 
Parade  for  the  purpose  of  witnessing  the  execution  of 
the  prisoner  sentenced  by  a  Gen'l  order  of  the  2d  inst.  to 
be  shot  to  death.  The  Troops  will  form  three  sides  of 
a  square,  the  Artillery  will  form  the  right :  left  flank 
the  Infty;  the  rear,  the  execution  party  consisting  of  a 
Sergeant  and  12  privates  which  will  parade  at  half  past 
1 1  o'clock,  and  be  placed  under  the  command  of  Lieut. 
Farley,  Provost  Marshal. 

The  guards  of  the  advanced  posts  will  leave  their 
entries  at  their  respective  posts  and  will  repair  to  the 
Parade  at  half  past  1 1  o'clock,  those  under  charge  of 
the  Provost  Marshal  will  join  the  execution  party  for 
the  purpose  of  escorting  the  Prisoner  to  the  place  of 
execution.  The  execution  party  in  Divisions  preceded 
by  the  music  with  the  Provost  Marshal  at  their  head 
will  march  in  front  of  the  Prisoner,  the  music  playing 
the  Dead*  March :  the  guards  formed  in  divisions  will 

*  The   dirge   played   at   the   military   executions   of   this   period   was 
'Roslyn  Castle,"  with  muffled  drums. 

83 


HISTORY    OF   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

march  in  rear  of  the  Prisoner.  The  procession  will 
enter  the  Square  from  the  rear,  face  ten  paces  from  the 
coffin  placed  in  the  center  upon  which  the  Prisoner 
kneels.  By  a  signal  from  the  Provost  Marshal  the  music 
ceases,  the  signal  to  fire  is  then  given  to  the  execution 
party. 

By  order  of 

M.  SwETT,  Com'g. 

The  following  note  in  the  Museum  shows  the  splendid 
patriotism  of  old  New  Yorkers  in  the  Second  War  of  Ameri- 
can Independence  to  be  quite  equal  to  that  of  1797. 

Local  Weekly  Museum 
August  13th,  1814. 

"No  marriage  in  the  City  during  last  week,  the  Citizens 
probably  too  busy  digging  fortifications.     *     *     * 
Next  week,  one  marriage." 

K.N. 

A  pleasing  incident  of  pax  inter  bella  is  discovered  in  an 
Artillery  order  of  Jan.  i,  181 5,  when  Mars  unbends  for  the 
moment  and  in  the  presence  of  the  ladies  of  the  "Stocking, 
Hood  and  Mockason  Society"  removes  his  helmet  and  be- 
comes amenable  to  the  softening  influence  of  woman's 
sympathy.  The  courtesies  of  the  day  are  well  illustrated 
in  the  charming  reply  of  the  gallant  commanding  officer. 

Artillery  orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

Jan.  I,  1815. 


Lieut.  Col.  House  has  received  the  following  com- 
munication from  the  ladies  of  the  "Stocking,  Hood  and 
Mockason  Society  of  New  York,"  accompanied  with  46 

84 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Hoods  and  46  prs.  of  mittens  to  be  presented  to  the 
Soldiers  and  Sentinels  on  duty  at  the  several  Artillery 
posts  under  his  command : 

New  York,  Dec.  30,  18 14. 
"Sir: 

(After  reciting  the  action  of  the  Society) 

The  Society  regrets  that  the  present  state  of  their 
funds  does  not  enable  them  to  do  more  for  those  whose 
claims  are  strengthened  by  every  consideration  of 
Patriotism  and  Gratitude. 

By  order  of  the  Board  of  Managers. 
Col.  House.  N.  D.  S.  Bradish,  Sec. 

"This  Humane  and  pleasing  attention  to  the  wants 
and  privations  of  the  Soldier  from  a  Body  of  the  most 
respectable  Ladies  of  New  York  cannot  fail  to  excite 
in  the  minds  of  every  individual  the  most  grateful  sensa- 
tion, and  to  animate  in  his  bosom  a  peculiar  ardour  and 
zeal  in  the  performance  of  his  duty.  I  am  honored, 
madam,  with  your  letter  of  the  30th  ult.  with  46  Hoods 
and  46  prs.  of  mittens.  I  beg  leave,  madam,  to  assure 
you  that  this  flattering  attention  to  the  wants  and  priva- 
tions of  the  Soldier  from  so  respectable  a  Body  of 
Ladies  cannot  fail  to  animate  every  bosom  with  a  degree 
of  Chivalrick*  ardour  when  it  is  recollected  that  the 
service  in  which  they  are  engaged  is  the  defence  of  the 
City  of  their  amiable  and  virtuous  patronesses.  Accept, 
madam,  for  yourself  and  the  Society  the  assurances  of 
respect  with  which  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

Yr.  most  obt.  Servt. 

Jas.  House. 

Lieut.  Col.  Arty. 

8s 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

A  few  extracts  typical  of  the  rest  follow  from  the  Garrison 
Order  Book : 

Garrison  Orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

July  15th,  1815. 
****** 

Parole — Europe. 
C.  Sign — American. 

Officer  for  the  day — Capt.  Howell. 
Officer  for  the  guard — Lieut.  Berier. 

The  Parole  and  Countersign  will  in  future  be  com- 
municated to  the  officers  of  the  Guard  Mounting  con- 
formable to  an  antient  practice. 

Garrison  Orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

Aug.  8,  181 5. 

"I*  I*  't*  1*  T*  *?• 

Parole — Galatin. 
Csign — Bayard. 

Officer  for  the  day  tomorrow — Lieut.  Davis. 
General's  Guard  from  Capt.  Richard's  Company. 

Corporal  Snarts,  privates  Mandaville,  Plunkett  and 
Bond  of  Major  Hall's  Company,  and  Texton,  Holt  and 
Spencer  of  Captain  Howell's  Company  are  detailed  for 
Col.  House's  boat,  and  to  report  on  daily  duty  until 
further  orders. 

By  Order, 

Chas.  Anthony, 

Adjt. 

Garrison  Orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

9th  Sept.  181 5. 

*  ***** 

For  the  preservation  and  better  regulation  of  the 
boats  belonging  to  the  Island,  those  for  use  are  appointed 
as  follows:  The  boats  formerly  in  the  use  of  Lt.  Col. 
House,  Major  Hall  and  Adjutant  Anthony  and  the  yel- 

86 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

low  oared  barge  are  assigned  to  the  use  of  the  Corps 
or  Artillery  at  this  post,  to  be  turned  over  to  and  dis- 
tributed by  Lieut.  Col.  House.  For  the  use  of  the 
Infantry  are  assigned  the  Green  six-oared  barge,  the 
whale  boat  and  the  seven-oared  barges  which  are  to  be 
turned  over  to  and  distributed  by  Lt.  Col.  Swetting. 
The  4-oared  Green  boat  is  reserved  for  the  Gen.  Hos- 
pital. No.  i2-oared  barge  known  by  the  name  of  Genls. 
Barge  and  the  6-oared  Green  boat  are  reserved  for  the 
use  of  the  Commandant.  No  interference  is  to  be 
made  by  either  Corps  with  the  boats  assigned  to  the 
other.     *     *     =f: 

Another  Order  relating  to  transportation  is  extracted  as 
follows : 

Garrison  Orders.  Ft.  Columbus, 

May  6,  1815. 

The  licensed  ferry  Boats  will  be  governed  by  the  fol- 
lowing Regulations :  Neither  shore  to  be  left  destitute 
of  a  ferry  Boat  for  more  than  twenty  minutes  between 
the  rising  and  setting  of  the  Sun.  *  *  *  Where  one 
Boat  starts  from  one  shore,  leaving  no  Boat  there,  an- 
other Boat  starts  at  the  same  moment  from  the  opposite 
shore,  whether  with  or  without  a  passenger.     *     *     * 

Jas.  House, 

Lt.  Col.  Artillery. 
Comdg. 

Orders  for  Sept.  15,  1815,  show  the  retention  of  the  old 
English  name  for  Mess  call. 


Sept. 

15. 

1815 

* 

*              *              * 

* 

* 

Parole- 

-Wolf. 

Csign— 

-Montgomery. 

Troop  will  be  beat  at  8 

A. 

M. 

Roast  beef  at  half  past 

12. 

87 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  War  of  1812  followed  shortly  upon  the  building 
of  the  Castle.  Governor  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  reports  as 
follows : 

New  York,  Jan.  19,  1810. 

Fort  Columbus  on  Governor's  Island  is  finished  and 
capable  of  mounting  104  guns,  of  which  50  are  already 
on  the  parapets.  This  is  a  regular  erected  work  of 
masonry  with  a  ditch,  counterscarp,  covert  way  and 
glacis  capable  of  resisting  a  long  siege. 

Two  tiers  and  platforms  in  the  Castle  are  finished, 
each  capable  of  receiving  26  guns.  Eleven  French  36 
pdrs.  are  already  mounted.  The  whole  armament  of  the 
Castle  when  completed  may  be  stated  as  100  guns,  in- 
cluding the  terrace  on  the  top. 

The  following  Report  is  valuable  as  referring  to  the  fort 
on  Buttermilk  Channel  built  in  1812. 

New  York,  March  15,  181 3. 
Fort  Columbus,  Castle  Williams,  and  a  fort  to  guard 
the  pass  at  Buttermilk  Channel,  all  upon  Governor's 
Island,  are  completed  and  equipped  with  everything 
needful  for  action.  *  *  *  There  is  an  abundant  sup- 
ply of  cannon  balls  on  Governor's  Island.  27,000  blank 
cannon  cartridges,  six  travelling  forges  and  a  number 
of  grates  for  heating  shot. 

At  this  time  considerable  alarm  was  felt  by  the  inhabitants 
of  the  City  at  a  report  that  the  troops  stationed  on  Gover- 
nors Island  had  been  ordered  to  the  Northern  frontier. 

The  "National  Advocate"  in  its  issue  of  August  30th, 
1812,  allayed  the  natural  fears  of  the  people  in  saying:  "We 
are  authorized  to  state  that  no  troops  stationed  on  Governor's 
Island  have  proceeded  or  are  ordered  to  proceed  to  the  North. 
The  rumour  that  such  an  order  is  to  be  given  is  false  and 
groundless." 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Apropos  of  the  importance  of  troops  in  the  Harbour  of 
New  York,  not  only  in  popular  feeling  but  also  in  the  judg- 
ment of  the  War  Department,  a  brief  extract  may  be  quoted 
from  the  autobiography  of  Major  Joseph  Delafield,  46th 
U.  S.  Infantry  (Lieut. -Colonel  Wm.  S.  Tallmadge  com- 
manding), who  was  commissioned  April  15,  1814: 

"The  term  of  service  being  about  to  expire  and  Majr  Tall- 
madge &  myself  being  desirous  to  remain  in  the  Army  and 
to  seek  some  more  active  service  concerted  a  plan  to  form 
a  new  regiment,  to  select  our  officers  from  the  Volunteer 
regiment  and  upon  the  strength  of  our  recruits  and  the 
experience  of  our  officers  to  ask  for  their  commission.  These 
arrangements  being  made  Majr  Tallmadge  and  myself  pro- 
ceeded to  Washington  and  presented  our  scheme  to  the 
Secretary  of  War  (Genl.  Armstrong).  At  this  time  an 
Act  of  Congress  authorized  the  addition  of  five  regiments  to 
the  line  of  the  Army.  We  were  given  one  of  the  new  regi- 
ments. Major  Tallmadge  to  be  Lieut.  Col :  Captains  Par  Lee 
and  myself  Majors  and  the  Company  officers  all  in  com- 
pliance with  our  scheme  of  selection  and  commissions  were 
given  accordingly.  We  began  to  recruit  with  activity  and 
soon  had  between  two  &  three  hundred  men ;  and  as  the  most 
of  us  had  been  confined  to  the  harbor  defense  and  were  de- 
sirous of  more  active  service  we  established  our  headquarters 
at  Pokeepsie,  which  district  was  beyond  the  command  of  the 
officer  commanding  in  N.  York.  Being  in  charge  of  the 
recruiting  services  my  orders  were  to  prepare  the  men  as 
rapidly  as  possible  to  march  North  to  join  the  Army  on  the 
Canada  frontier.  Our  recruiting  district  embraced  the  State 
of  New  York.  The  enemy  however  continued  to  threaten 
attacks  along  the  coast,  and  the  alarm  for  the  safety  of  the 
city  was  so  great  that  all  the  available  forces  were  collected 
in  the  harbor  and  orders  were  obtained  from  Washington  to 
bring  our  detachment  to  the  harbor.  We  joined  the  garrison 
on  Governor's  Island  and  there  remained  until  the  close 
of  the  War." 

89 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

In  the  Summer  of  1814  there  were  over  1000  officers  and 
men  in  the  Garrison  and  great  activity  was  displayed  in 
preparation  for  actual  war,  as  the  following  order  indicates : 

Garrison  Orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

Aug.  28,  1814. 

The  Artillery  and  Infantry  will  be  drilled  at  the  Bat- 
tery on  Governors'  Island  every  Monday,  W'ednesday, 
and  Friday  from  5  to  6:30  a.  m.  commencing  at  Fort 
Columbus,  taking  the  guns  in  course  through  all  the 
batteries.  The  commanding  officers  of  companies  will 
cause  their  companies  to  be  drilled  with  muskets  every 
Tuesday,  Thursday  and  Saturday  at  the  same  hours. 
All  officers  are  punctually  to  attend  drills. 

Sgt.  Dillahunty  will  drill  the  non-commissioned  officers 
of  Artillery  from  9  :30  to  1 1  until  further  orders. 

At  the  sound  of  the  alarm  by  the  bugle  the  troops 
will  turn  out  on  their  company  parade.  The  Infantry 
will  be  conducted  by  their  Senior  officers  to  the  covert 
way  of  the  ditch  of  Fort  Columbus  as  its  proper  alarm 
post,  and  the  Artillery  will  be  conducted  by  companies 
to  their  batteries.  The  conductor  of  Artillery  aided  by 
the  O.  M.  Sergeant  and  Powder  Monkeys  will  furnish 
implements  and  ammunition  and  arrange  them  at  the 
batteries.  By  order, 

Chas.  Anthony, 
Adjutant  Corps  Artillery. 

The  Island  served  a  valuable  purpose  during  this  war  as 
a  basis  for  recruits  and  school  of  instruction.  Colonel  Bur- 
beck  according  to  orders  issued  in  June  instructed  in  Artil- 
lery exercises  the  Pennsylvania  Detachment  under  command 
of  Captain  Connely,  the  New  York  Detachment  under  Cap- 
tain Sproul,  and  Captain  Ogden's  Company  of  Artillery  of 
the  Jersey  Line,  while  Lieut.  Colonel  David  Brearly  for- 
warded to  Fort  Columbus  all  the  recruits  of  the  Pennsyl- 
vania and  Jersey  Lines  from  the  Trenton  Depot. 

90 


HISTORY    OF    GOVE;rNORS    ISLAND 


Some  details  of  pay  and  equipment  prevailing  at  this 
period  are  quoted  as  a  basis  of  comparison  with  the  condi- 
tions a  century  later.  The  extracts  are  from  Regulations  in 
force  May  2d,  1814: 

Pay  in  1814. 

PAY  PER  FORAGE  RATIONS 

MONTH      NO.  OF  HORSES      PER  DAY 

Major-General $200  7  15 

Brigadier-General    104  5  12 

Brigade  Chaplain 50  2  4 

Professor  of  Math.  Eng.  Corps  50  3  4 

Apothecary  General 1,800  per  annum. 

Commissary  General 3,000  per  annum. 

Cadet 16 

Colonel  (ex.  of  Cavalry) 75  4  6 

1st  Lieut,  (ex.  of  Cavalry) ...  30  o  3 

(Forage  supplied  for  Lieut.  Artillery  and  Light  Dragoons.) 

Corporal $10 

Private,     bombardier,     sapper 

and  miner 8 

(Women  in  proportion  of  i  to  every  17  men  a  ration  in  kind.) 
Private  waiters — Major-General 4 

Colonel   2 

and  others  in  proportion. 

Clothing  100  Years  Ago  for  Infantry. 

Regulations  of  1814. 

Coat $6.07 

Cap    2.18                     ; 

Frock 1-57^ 

Shirts  (4  at  $1.30) 5.20 

Stockings 54 

Socks 10 

Shoes 1.05 

Stock   12 

Cockade  and  eagle 8}^ 

Pompon 25 

91 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

While  the  pay  and  clothing  of  1814  were  more  satisfactory 
to  the  troops  than  during  the  Revolutionary  Period,  the  thou- 
sand officers  and  men  stationed  on  Governors  Island  in  the 
summer  of  181 4  undoubtedly  suffered  many  discomforts. 
The  Castle  had  been  completed,  however,  just  before  the 
outbreak  of  the  War. 

Inasmuch  as  this  is  an  important  building,  always  in  evi- 
dence but  really  little  known,  the  author  quotes  at  some  length 
from  Guernsey's  technical  description  of  Castle  Williams  in 
his  "New  York  in  the  War  of  181 2,"  which  states  that  the 
lower  tier  had  27  French  35  pdrs.  and  the  second  tier,  39-20 
pdrs.  The  terrace  over  the  bomb  proof,  he  tells  us,  formed 
a  barbette  battery  upon  which  45  columbiads  carrying  50 
pd.  balls  could  be  placed. 

The  walls  are  about  40  feet  high,  of  Newark  red  sandstone, 
hammered,  and  consist  of  13  arches  of  30  ft.  span,  2  ft.  thick 
and  24  long.  The  cross  walls  are  7  ft.  thick  between  the 
arches  and  12  ft.  at  the  termination  of  the  segment. 

The  guns  are  mounted  in  such  manner  that  the  centre  of 
motion  is  immediately  under  the  muzzle  of  the  gun,  so  that, 
although  the  angle  of  fire  is  54°,  the  mouth  of  the  gun  occu- 
pies always  the  same  place,  which  permits  the  throat  of  the 
embrasure  to  be  so  small  that  a  shot  could  not  pass  between 
the  gun  and  its  side  and  the  line  of  fire  cross  at  20  feet 
distance. 

The  interior  of  the  Castle  is  open  to  the  sky  and  the  aper- 
tures for  smoke  to  escape  amounts  to  144  square  feet  in  the 
rear.  The  walls  are  8  feet  thick  on  the  ground  tier  and  7 
feet  on  the  next  tier  and  in  the  mass  of  the  wall  arches  are 
turned  over  each  pair  of  embrasures,  so  that  if  it  were  pos- 
sible to  batter  or  break  into  the  lower  tier,  the  upper  one 
would  rest  upon  these  arches  and  exhibit  the  appearance  of 
a  bridge  composed  of  very  solid  tiers.     The  outside  cut  of 

92 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

the  wall  was  laid  in  Flemish  bond  and  each  stone  dovetailed 
in  such  a  manner  that  no  one  could  be  dislocated  without 
first  being  broken  to  pieces.  Over  each  embrasure  is  a  flat 
arch  of  remarkable  strength.  It  also  contains  2  stone  maga- 
zines for  200'  barrels  of  powder  and  within  the  walls  is  an 
inexhaustible  well  of  finest  water  from  which  all  the  shipping 
might  be  watered  with  ease. 

Colonel  Williams  resigned  his  commission  July  31,  181 2, 
on  account  of  dissatisfaction  felt  and  expressed  by  the 
Artillery  at  an  Engineer  officer's  being  assigned  to  command 
the  Castle.  Major  Joseph  A.  Swift  relieved  Colonel  Wil- 
liams as  Colonel  and  Chief  Engineer,  with  headquarters  in 
New  York. 

The  Hon.  Saml.  Mitchell  pays  a  deserved  tribute  to  Colonel 
Williams  in  his  letter  of  October  9th,  1808,  written  during 
the  construction  of  the  Castle,  as  follows:  "The  Chief 
Engineer  who  planned  the  general  fortifications  of  New  York 
and  who  actually  superintended  their  construction  is  Colonel 
J.  Williams,  the  learned  and  ingenious  director  of  the 
American  Military  Academy  at  West  Point  and  President 
of  the  American  Philosophical  Society.  The  high  profes- 
sional talents  displayed  by  this  gentleman  in  projecting  the 
works  have  been  very  ably  seconded  in  carrying  them  into 
operation. 

At  Governor's  Island  Fort  Columbus  is  now  finished.  It 
consists  of  4  bastions,  3  curtains  and  an  attached  casemated 
ravelin  with  two  retired  flanks,  the  whole  capable  of  mount- 
ing 96  guns  and  might  without  inconvenience  bring  one-half 
its  face  at  one  instant  against  any  passing  ship,  while  it 
completely  commands  the  East  River. 

It  is  a  work  composed  of  a  walled  rampart  8  feet  thick  at 
its  base,  diminishing  by  its  slope  to  6  feet  at  the  line  of  the 
cordon  with  counter  forts  of  five  feet  in  depth  at  the  distance 

93 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

of  13  feet  from  each  other,  surmounted  by  a  sohd  brick 
parapet  of  10  feet  in  thickness.  The  ditch  is  about  40  feet 
wide,  with  a  walled  counterscarp,  a  walled  covert  way  and 
a  sodded  glacis  extending  to  the  water  edge. 

At  Bedlow's  Island  a  mortar  battery  commands  all  the 
channel.  This  battery  is  on  the  level  of  the  ditch  of  a  Star 
fort  in  its  rear  which  not  only  commands  it  but  commands 
and  protects  Ellis  Island. 

The  old  wooden  parapet  is  taken  down  at  Ellis  Island  and 
a  platform  for  a  gun  battery  is  completed.  Under  charge 
of  Colonel  Williams  a  Castle  at  the  Battery  is  being  built 
similar  to  that  on  Governor's  Island.  The  North  Battery, 
foot  of  Hubert  Street,  is  a  circular  battery  of  20  guns  in  one 
tier  which  will  cross  fire  with  the  S.  W.  Battery. 

In  Fort  Columbus  there  are  actually  in  place  60  cannon, 
in  Castle  Williams  52,  in  S.  W.  Battery  (Castle  Clinton)  28, 
at  Bedlow's  Island  24,  at  North  Battery  16,  Ellis  Island  14, 
Arsenal  near  Custom  House  34. 

Adding  for  the  uncompleted  third  tier  of  Castle  Williams, 
Governors  Island,  26,  and  for  the  bomb  battery  at  Ellis 
Island  4  mortars,  we  have  a  total  of  258  pieces. 

The  estimated  complement  to  man  these  guns  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

On  Governor's  Island :  Fort  Columbus  780  men,  Castlo 
Williams  1014;  Bedlow's  Island  312,  Ellis  Island  182,  S.  W. 
Battery  364,  North  Battery  208,  Arsenal  442,  making  a  total 
requirement  of  2,302  men. 

The  larger  estimate  for  Castle  Williams  is  based  upon  the 
additional  26  guns  in  the  third  tier." 

The  above  quoted  letter  of  the  Hon.  Saml.  Mitchell  was 
written  in  1808.  During  the  continuance  of  the  War  of 
1812-15,  references  to  which  are  to  be  found  in  this  Chapter, 
occurred  a  practical  test  of  the  efficiency  of  the  guns  of 

94 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Castle  Williams  in  a  target  practice  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Artillery  Militia. 

The  one  "of  which  we  have  an  account  took  place  on  the 
14th  August,  1812.  The  target  was  an  old  hulk  anchored 
in  the  stream  about  1,000  yards  from  shore,  equidistant  from 
Castle  Williams  and  the  Fort  at  the  Battery.  General  Mor- 
ton's Brigade  at  the  Battery  Parade  opened  fire  with  6,  9, 
12  and  18  pdrs. 

The  Veteran  Corps  of  Artillery  commanded  by  Captain 
Delamater  fired  from  a  long  nine,  which  repeatedly  raked  the 
hull  of  the  target.* 

Several  heavy  shot  from  the  guns  in  Castle  Williams  also 
hulled  the  target.  After  the  firing  had  continued  two  hours 
the  hulk  was  perceived  to  be  on  fire.  This  was  caused  by  the 
hot  shot  fired  by  Colonel  Curtenius'  Regiment,  which  were 
heated  in  a  travelling  forge  attached  to  the  Brigade.  The 
result  of  the  firing  was  as  follows : 

NO.  OF  SHOTS  EFFECTIVE  MISSED 

Castle  Williams 30  27  3 

Castle  Clinton   40  36  4 

The  Artillery  V.  C.  A. 

and  others 314  254  60 

384  317  67 

The  military  activity  of  the  regular  forces  on  Governor's 
Island  at  this  period  was  reflected  in  the  atmosphere  of  ex- 
pectation that  prevailed  throughout  the  City.  In  every  walk 
of  life  there  was  but  one  theme  of  conversation,  and  the 
various  armed  organizations,  whether  shooting  long  nines 

*The  Veteran  Corps  of  Artillery  nearly  a  century  after  this  event 
instituted  relations  with  Governors  Island  of  a  more  peaceful  character. 
(v.  p.  198). 

95 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

or  smoking  churchwardens,  were  parati  ad  helium.  Even  the 
fashionable  restaurants  of  the  day  were  redolent  of  war,  as 
we  judge  from  the  description  of  the  Shakespeare  Tavern, 
which  was  one  of  a  number  of  similar  establishments. 

The  Shakespeare  Tavern  was  situated  at  the  southwest 
corner  of  Fulton  and  Nassau  Streets.  It  was  here  that  the 
Veteran  Artillery  Corps  had  their  holiday  dinners,  although 
it  also  dined,  as  it  does  to  this  day,  at  Fraunces'  Tavern,  on 
occasions  of  ceremony. 

The  Shakespeare  was  kept  by  one  Hodgkinson  and  it  was 
adorned  in  1815  by  a  great  sign  of  Columbia  and  Britannia 
with  joined  hands  and  an  olive  branch  and  the  words,  "For- 
give and  Forget." 

Over  the  Eagle  were  draped  the  American  colours  and  over 
the  Lion  was  the  shield  of  Great  Britain.  Over  all  were 
the  names  of  our  Commissioners,  Adams,  Bogart,  Gallatin, 
Clay  and  Russell,  and  the  word  "Peace,"  with  intertwined 
flags. 

The  decorations  thus  described  were  added  to  the  other  at- 
tractions of  the  Tavern  at  the  establishment  of  peace,  which 
was  officially  announced  in  the  following  orders : 

General  Orders.  Adjt.  Gen.  Office, 

3D  Military  District,  New  York. 
Feb.  6th,  181 5. 


A  Martial  Salute  will  be  fired  tomorrow  from  Gover- 
nor's Island  in  honor  of  the  Glorious  Victory  obtained 
over  the  enemy  at  New  Orleans  oi]  the  8th  January  by 
the  troops  under  Major  Gen.  Jackson. 

This  order  was  followed  by  a  Gen.  order,  Feb.  20,  reciting 
that  a  Treaty  of  Peace  had  been  signed  between  the  United 

96 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

States  and  Great  Britain  at  Washington  on  Feb.  17th,  and 
ordering  a  Martial  Salute  to  be  fired  at  noon  on  Feb.  21st 
from  Governor's  Island  and  all  posts  from  Sandy  Hook  to  the 
forts  at  Harlem,  the  Salutes  to  be  followed  by  a  "Feu  de 
joie"  and  an  "Extra  Ration  of  Liquor  to  be  offered  to  the 
troops  to  drink  the  glorious  termination  of  an  honorable 
War."  It  was  also  ordered  that  Feb.  25th  should  be  "passed 
by  the  Troops  of  this  Garrison  in  festivity  and  rejoicing  and 
in  the  evening  an  ilhimination  of  the  officers'  Quarters  and 
Barracks  and  Guard  House  to  begin  at  dusk  and  to  continue 
till  9  o'clock.  At  half  after  7  o'clock  in  the  evening  "18 
rockets  will  be  discharged  from  the  castle  under  the  direction 
of  the  Artillery  Quarter  Master." 

That  War  was  over  and  Peace  assured  may  be  gathered 
from  the  following  Orders  relative  to  details  generally  neg- 
lected under  war  conditions : 

Artillery  Orders.  Fort  Columbus, 

14  March,  181 5. 

A  long  standing  Genl.  Order  regulating  the  cut  of 
Hair  &  Whiskers  has  for  some  time  past  been  too  little 
attended  to  and  there  appear  in  the  ranks  as  many 
fashions  with  regard  to  this  part  of  the  dress  as  there 
are  kinds  of  men.  There  may  be  some  excuse  for  these 
irregularities  in  new-raised  Regta.,  but  it  ought  to  be 
expected  that  so  old  and  respectable  a  corps  of  the  Army 
as  the  Artillery  would  set  the  example  of  neatness.  *  *  * 

At  the  next  weekly  inspection  every  non-Com  officer 
and  Soldier  will  appear  with  his  whiskers  trimmed  off  in 
a  line  from  the  tip  of  the  ear  to  the  bottom  of  the  nose 
and  the  Hair  cropped,  and  it  is  expected  that  Officers 
of  Companies  will  set  the  example. 

By  order —     Chas.  Anthony, 

Adj.  Corps  Artillery. 

97 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

It  is  interesting  to  compare  with  these  Orders  of  1815  the 
following  Orders  on  the  same  subject  thirty-three  years  later 
at  the  close  of  the  Mexican  War : 

Genl.  Orders  War  Department, 

No.  35  Adjutant  General's  Office, 

Washington,  July  6,  1848. 

A  Proclamation  by  the  President  of  the  United  States 
of  America  announcing  the  termination  of  the  War  with 
Mexico. 

(Here  follows  the  Treaty) 

(Here  follow  directions  as  to  discharge  of  officers  and 
men  of  the  ten  additional  Regiments,  of  the  V'olunteer 
troops,  Recruits,  &c.,  in  10  paragraphs.) 


Paragraph  No.  11  is  as  follows: 

II.  The  hair  to  be  short,  or  what  is  generally  termed 
cropped:  the  whiskers  not  to  extend  below  the  lower 
tip  of  the  ear,  and  a  line  thence  with  the  curve  of  the 
mouth:  Moustaches  will  not  be  worn  (except  by  Cavalry 
regiments)  by  officers  or  men  on  any  pretence  what- 
ever.    (Army  Regulations,  page  215.) 

The  non-observance  of  the  above  regulation  (tolerated 
during  the  war  with  ]\Iexico)  is  no  longer  permitted. 
It  is  enjoined  upon  all  officers  to  observe  and  enforce 
the  regulation. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

R.  Jones, 
Adjt  Genl. 

Further  and  very  interesting  and  intimate  notes  on  the 
fortifications  of  Governors  Island  are  found  in  the  writings 
of  the  Duke  of  Saxe-Weimar: 

98 


D      (0 
Z 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


September       1825 

"Colonel  Bankhead  of  the  2nd  Artillery  Regt  offered  to 
show  me  the  fortifications  of  New  York.  We  sailed  in  a 
boat  along  with  General  Swift,  first  to  Governors  Island. 
Upon  this  Island  is  a  fort  of  red  sandstone  called  Columbus. 
It  consists  of  4  bastions.  In  the  interior  are  barracks  and 
arsenals,  the  former  inhabited  by  a  Company  of  Artillery. 
*  *  *  I  found  a  Bible  in  each  room.  West  of  the  Fort 
is  a  tower  after  the  style  of  Montalembert  called  Castle 
Williams.  *  *  *  Colonel  Marea  of  the  Artillery  in  the 
Fort  received  me  with  21  guns. 

The  officers  have  lodgings  and  gardens  on  the  glacis  of  the 
Fort :  likewise  a  wooden  barrack  which  serves  in  time  of  war 
for  a  battalion  of  infantry.  A  large  two  story  brick  house 
with  piazza  is  intended  for  Headquarters  and  the  Command- 
ing General.     *     *     * 

At  Castle  Williams  I  observed  furnaces  for  heating  shot". 

Duke  of  Saxe-Weimar's  "Travels"  ,  I,  page  127. 


K.  N. 


CHAPTER  IV. 
Mexican  and  Civil  War 

The  Mexican  and  Civil  Wars  were  so  far  removed  geo- 
graphically from  New  York  that  the  activities  of  the  Gov- 
ernors Island  Garrison  were  naturally  of  a  different  nature 
from  those  in  the  stirring  times  of  the  Revolution  of  1776 
and  of  the  lesser  War  of  1812.  This  period  may  therefore 
be  passed  over  more  briefly  in  order  not  to  prolong  unduly 
our  story. 

In  1847  the  ist  New  York  Volunteer  Infantry  was  mus- 
tered in  on  Governors  Island,  Colonel  Ward  Burnett,  a 
graduate  of  West  Point,  commanding.  After  gallant  service 
in  Mexico  the  Regiment  returned  to  New  York  and  their 
colours  were  preserved  for  many  years  in  the  Governor's 
Room  in  the  City  Hall.  In  1907  they  were  presented  to 
Governors  Island  by  the  City  and  with  imposing  military  and 
ecclesiastical  ceremonies  were  installed  in  the  chapel  of  Saint 
Cornelius  the  Centurion,  where  their  tattered  remnants  now 
hang.  A  dozen  or  more  survivors  of  the  Mexican  War  par- 
ticipated in  the  ceremonies.  The  history  of  the  colours  which 
follows  is  taken  from  the  official  tablet  accompanying  the 
flags  upon  their  removal  from  the  City  Hall. 

History  of  the;  Colors 

OF  THE 

IST  N.  Y.  Regiment — Mexican  War 

The  First  Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers  in  the 
Mexican  War  was  presented  with  a  stand  of  Colors  on 
January  8th,  1847,  by  the  City  of  New  York.  The 
Colonel  of  the  Regiment,  Ward  B.  Burnett,  received  the 
Colors  personally,  part  of  the  Regiment  having  sailed  for 

lOI 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Mexico  before  the  date  of  presentation.  The  flags  were 
received  by  the  Regiment  when  the  first  parade  took  place 
after  the  presentation,  on  the  Mexican  Island  of  Lobos 
about  sixty  miles  north  of  Vera  Cruz  where  the  fleet  con- 
taining the  army  assembled.  The  officers  of  the  Regi- 
ment were  called  to  the  front  and  centre,  where  they 
formed  a  circle  about  the  Colors.  Each  officer  placed 
his  left  hand  on  one  of  the  staffs,  raised  his  right  hand, 
and  took  a  solemn  oath  under  the  direction  of  Colonel 
Burnett  to  protect  the  flags  with  his  life  blood.  The 
Colors  consisted  of  two  flags  and  two  guide  colors,  one 
the  national  flag  and  the  other  a  red  flag  with  the  coat 
of  arms  of  the  City  of  New  York  on  one  side  and  the 
coat  of  arms  of  the  State  on  the  other.  The  red  flag 
was  the  first  over  the  inner  wall  of  the  Castle  of  Chapul- 
tepec,  on  the  morning  of  September  13th,  1847.  Color 
Sergeant  Hipolite  Dardonville  carried  the  red  flag. 
Orderly  Sergeant  Robert  M.  Harper,  of  Company  D, 
supported  him  on  one  side  and  ist  Lieutenant  Francis 
E.  Pinto  supported  him  on  the  other.  All  went  over  the 
wall  together.  The  Regiment  took  an  active  part  in  the 
siege  and  capture  of  Vera  Cruz,  the  storming  of  Cerro 
Gordo  Pass,  the  taking  of  the  City  of  Puebla,  the  battle 
of  Contreras  and  Churubusco,  where  Color  Sergeant 
Romein  was  killed,  the  storming  of  the  Castle  of  Chapul- 
tepec,  where  Color  Guide  Zimmerman  was  killed  inside 
of  the  inner  wall  of  the  Castle,  and  the  capture  of  the 
City  of  Mexico.  The  Regiment  belonged  to  the  ist 
Division  that  entered  the  City  at  daybreak  of  the  morn- 
ing of  September  14th,  1847. 

Among  the  officers  in  this  distinguished  Regiment  was 
Thos.  \V.  Sweeny  who  served  as  lieutenant  in  Company  "A" 
First  Regiment,  New  York  Volunteers,  participating  in  the 
campaign  under  General  Winfield  Scott  from  the  Siege  of 
Vera  Cruz  to  the  storming  of  Churubusco,  August  20,  1847, 
where  he  received  wounds  that  necessitated  the  amputation 

102 


LIEUTENANT    THOMAS    W.   SWEENY 

FIRST    REGIMENT.   NEW  YORK   VOLUNTEERS 
FROM    A    DAGUERREOTYPE   TAKEN    IN    1647 


Thomas  If.  Swcoty  scncJ  as  I.iciilciiaiit.  first  Xcw  Vork  roliinlL'crs,  Jiirinn 
the  War  wilh  Mexico,  participating  in  the  campaign  under  General  l^'infield  Scott. 
from  the  siege  of  Vera  Cru.:  to  the  storming  of  Churubusco,  August  .'O,  1847. 
where  he  was  wounded  and  lost  his  right  arm.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he 
became  a  Lieutenant  in  the  Second  U.  S.  Infantry,  and  was  engaged  in  many 
Indian  campaigns  nijii  in  the  IVar  of  the  Rebellion,  attaining  the  rank  of  lirigadier- 
General.  On  11  May,  1S70,  he  was  placed  on  the  retired  list  of  the  Army  ivith 
the  full  rank  of  Brigadier-General  and  died  at  Astoria,  Long  Island,  .tpril  10, 
iti').',  in  the  /.'in/  year  of  his  age. 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

of  his  right  arm.  At  the  close  of  the  Mexican  War  he  was 
commissioned  second-Heutenant  in  the  Second  United  States 
Infantry,  participating  in  many  Indian  campaigns  and  in 
the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  attaining  the  rank  of  Brigadier- 
General  and  was  retired  from  active  service  May  ii,  1870. 
He  died  at  Astoria,  Long  Island,  April  10,  1892,  in  the  72nd 
year  of  his  age.  He  referred  to  the  ist  New  York  in  a  letter 
of  Oct.  25,  1846,  ending  with  the  words: 

*  *  *  All  the  regulars  that  were  on  Gov.  Island 
were  sent  ofif  on  Friday  last  in  the  steamship  Massa- 
cluiscfts,  to  the  number  of  700  men. 

Four  cannon,  24  pdr.  bronze  howitzers,  are  mounted  at  the 
steps  of  the  Chapel  leading  from  the  nave  into  the  choir.  The 
inscription  on  each  of  these  cannon,  which  are  used  to  carry 
the  chains  across  the  choir,  is  as  follows : 

Vera  Cruz,  Cerro  Gordo,  Contreras, 

Churubusco,  Chapultepec, 

City  of  Mexico,  1847. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Hungerford  to  George  W.  Morton, 
Esq.,  New  York,  gives  some  additional  data  in  regard  to  this 
distinguished  Regiment,  mustered  in  on  Governors  Island  and 
memorialized  by  the  exhibition  of  their  Colours  in  the  Chapel. 
It  may  be  mentioned  in  this  connection  that  Veterans  of 
this  Regiment  come  occasionally  to  look  upon  their  old  colours 
and  at  the  cannon  mounted  below  them  inscribed  with  the 
names  of  the  battles  in  which  they  served.    The  letter  follows  : 

City  of  Mexico — Haels  of  Montezuma. 

Deer  f^  1847. 

The  2d  Regt  New  York  Volunteers  in  the  Mexican 
War  (known  later  as  the  ist  New  York)  were  at  Churu- 
busco with  300  men,  2  companies  being  on  detached 
service. 

103 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  Regiment  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  115.  At 
Chapultepec  the  Regiment  was  the  first  to  enter  the 
works,  carrying  our  colours,  and  the  National  standard 
was  the  first  that  took  the  breeze  over  Chapultepec.  The 
flag  of  the  Empire  State  was  displayed  from  the  balcony 
of  the  building  (City  Hall?)  the  Colour  Sergeant  not 
being  able  to  find  the  passage  leading  to  the  top  of  the 
building. 

The  colours  are  in  a  very  tattered  condition,  the  National 
ensign  in  particular  having  only  part  of  the  Union  and  a  little 
fringe  left.  This  is  reasonably  supposed  to  be  the  state  in 
which  they  were  brought  back  from  Mexico,  as  they  have 
been  preserved  since  1848  in  a  glass  case  in  the  Governor's 
Room,  New  York  City  Hall. 

Another  interesting  reminder  of  the  Mexican  War  to  be 
seen  in  the  Chapel  is  a  large  oil  painting,  a  Pieta,  which  was 
once  the  property  of  Colonel  Thomas  Staniford.  The  brass 
plate  underneath  recites  that  the  "painting  is  donated  as  a 
memorial  to  the  widow  of  the  late  Doctor  N.  S.  Jarvis, 
U.  S.  A.,  Jennie  B.  Jarvis,  a  noble  and  faithful  servant  of 
God,  identified  with  the  Army  for  a  period  of  over  70  years, 
who  died  May  26,  1907."  Colonel  Staniford  was  a  veteran  of 
the  War  of  181 2,  and  was  distinguished  for  gallantry  and 
good  judgment  in  the  Florida  and  Mexican  Wars.  He  served 
on  Governors  Island  in  the  30's. 

The  Votive  Shield  in  the  Chapel  referred  to  on  p.  195 
recalls  the  dramatic  sinking  of  the  "San  Francisco"  in  1853. 

In  November  and  December,  1853,  the  Headquarters,  Band 
and  Companies,  A.  B.  C.  D.  G.  H.  I.  K.  and  L.  of  the  3rd 
Artillery,  about  300  officers  and  men,  were  on  Governors 
Island  awaiting  orders  for  station  on  the  Pacific  Coast. 

They  sailed  for  San  Francisco  via  Cape  Horn  on  December 
22,  1853,  on  the  "San  Francisco",  a  side  wheel  steamer  of 

104 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

3000  tons,  Captain  James  T.  Watkins.  There  were  740  per- 
sons on  board.  Before  leaving  they  had  placed  in  the  Govern- 
ors Island  chapel  an  heraldic  shield  with  the  name  of  the 
organization  and  date  of  their  being  here,  little  thinking  of 
the  way  in  which  they  were  to  return  to  their  station.  The 
"San  Francisco"  almost  at  once  ran  into  heavy  weather  which 
soon  became  a  tornado,  and  at  9  a.  m.  on  December  24th  a 
huge  wave  swept  everything  from  the  upper  deck,  including 
the  main  cabin,  and  carried  with  it  about  175  persons  who 
had  taken  refuge  there.  The  brig  "Napoleon,"  too  small  to 
render  practical  assistance,  carried  news  of  the  wreck  to 
Boston.  The  Government  at  once  sent  vessels  to  the  rescue, 
and  the  survivors,  nearly  600  persons,  were  taken  off  the 
"San  Francisco"  by  the  American  Ship  "Antarctic,"  the 
American  bark  "Kilby"  and  the  British  ship  "Three  Bells." 
The  boats  of  the  vessel  were  swept  away  by  the  sea  and  her 
fires  were  put  out  and  she  soon  sprang  a  leak.  The  soldiers 
and  other  passengers  rendered  aid  by  manning  the  pumps 
and  jettisoning  the  cargo.  Lieutenant  L.  K.  Murray,  U.  S.  N., 
a  passenger  on  the  "San  Francisco,"  set  a  splendid  example 
of  heroism. 

The  "Kilby"  took  her  rescued  people  to  Boston.  The 
"Antarctic"  proceeded  to  Liverpool,  where  the  survivors  of 
the  wreck  were  not  allowed  to  land  and  after  long  delay  they 
were  returned  to  New  York.  The  survivors  of  the  "Three 
Bells"  were  more  fortunate,  being  landed  at  New  York  Janu- 
ary 13th,  1853,  three  weeks  after  the  disaster. 

The  return  of  the  survivors  to  Governors  Island  is  de- 
scribed by  the  son  of  a  3rd  Artillery  bandsman,  whose  father 
and  mother  were  on  the  "San  Francisco,"  as  being  a  thrilling 
occasion.  Visitors  to  the  Chapel  will  find  a  second  shield 
erected  by  the  survivors  of  the  Regiment  "in  sorrow  and 

105 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

thankfulness."     The  shield  is  described  with  others  of  the 
Mexican  War  period,  on  page  195. 

The  3rd  Artillery  at  the  time  of  leaving  Governors  Island 
was  commanded  by  Colonel  William  Gates.  His  son  was  lost 
in  the  wreck,  also  the  wife  of  Captain  George  Taylor.  The 
officers  lost  were  Major  John  Macrae  Washington,  ist  Lieu- 
tenant Horace  B.  Field  and  ist  Lieutenant  Richard  H.  Smith, 
all  of  the  3rd  Artillery. 


Period  of  1861 

"Another  interval  of  pipeclay  and  monotonous  guard  duty 
was  succeeded  by  the  stirring  times  of  1861-65,  when  Govern- 
ors Island  became  the  important  depot  for  the  United  States. 
The  ancient  Castle  became  the  dungeon  for  Confederate 
prisoners  of  war,  large  numbers  being  confined  there  during 
the  war  and  several  executions  taking  place."  Doctor  Rob- 
ertson recalls  an  interesting  event  of  1863.  During  the  draft 
riots  of  that  year  the  troops  stationed  on  Governors  Island 
were  guarding  the  Sub-Treasury  in  Wall  Street.  Their  ab- 
sence was  seized  by  the  rioters  as  a  time  for  attacking  the 
Island  and  capturing  ammunition,  rifles  and  stores.    The  City 

106 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

authorities,  hearing  of  this  movement,  withdrew  all  ferry- 
boats from  their  slips.  The  rioters,  however,  secured  other 
boats  and  soon  were  on  their  way  to  the  Island.  Eighty 
employes  of  the  Ordnance  Department  hurriedly  armed  them- 
selves with  muskets,  trained  some  cannon  on  the  invaders  and 
succeeded  in  repulsing  the  attack.  At  various  periods  of  the 
Civil  War  large  bodies  of  troops  were  encamped  on  Govern- 
ors Island  going  to  and  returning  from  the  front.  On  one 
occasion  seven  regiments  were  encamped  here  at  one  time 
and  an  eyewitness  has  described  to  the  author  the  stirring 
events  of  those  days  and  the  inspiring  scene  from  the  glacis 
when  this  large  body  of  troops  was  formed  for  retreat. 

A  Hospital  was  erected  at  this  period.  The  middle  wing 
survives  in  the  present*  Dept.  Hdqrs.  Bldg.,  the  school  build- 
ing and  others  near  by  representing  the  various  wards.  The 
Castle  was  crowded  with  prisoners  during  the  Civil  War. 
Chaplain  McVickar,  who  began  his  chaplaincy  in  one  war  and 
ended  it  in  another,  with  the  visitation  of  Cholera  in  1849 
between  the  two,  had  much  to  do  with  and  for  these  prisoners 
of  war.  Bishop  Whittingham  of  Maryland  writing  to  him  in 
1861,  says:  "I  am  greatly  pleased  to  find  how  thoroughly 
you  had  anticipated  all  that  I  wished  to  ask  you  about  your 
work  in  the  Port  of  New  York." 

The  Castle  is  still  (1922)  used  as  a  Military  Prison  U.  S. 
Disciplinary  Barracks.  The  stone  magazines  at  the  gate  have 
been  taken  down  to  provide  place  for  a  much-needed  guard 
house,  which  is  built  of  the  same  material  just  inside 
the  main  gate. 

A  picture  in  Harper's  Weekly  (May,  1861)  shows  troops 
drilling  on  Governors  Island  near  the  Administration  Build- 
ing. A  view  of  the  courtyard  of  the  Barracks  discloses  a 
fence  around  the  centre  of  the  enclosure. 

*  Now  used  for  Officers'  quarters. 
107 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  book  records  on  file  in  Washington  of  Fort  Columbus 
at  this  period  are  as  follows :  Record  of  Convalescents,  Strag- 
glers, etc.,  Union  Forces,  Received  and  Forwarded,   1863, 

1864,  1865,  and  Record  of  Deserters  and  General  Prisoners 
confined  1865- 1870.  To  transcribe  these  would  be  hardly 
warranted  by  the  scope  of  this  book.     An  incident  of  April, 

1865,  throws  light  upon  the  use  of  the  Castle  for  prisoners 
of  war,  of  whom  there  were  sometimes  1000  confined  at 
one  time. 

The  account  was  written  lately  in  connection  with  the  elec- 
tion of  the  hero  of  this  incident,  William  Robert  Webb,  as 
United  States  Senator  from  Tennessee. 

"Three  days  before  the  surrender  of  Lee  at  Appomattox, 
in  April,  1865,  a  young  Confederate  officer,  William  Robert 
Webb,  was  held  as  a  prisoner  of  war  in  the  stockade  about 
Castle  Williams  on  Governor's  Island.  He  had  been  brought 
North  from  Virginia  only  one  day  before.  Webb  could  look 
over  the  stockade  toward  the  lower  end  of  Manhattan,  and 
could  see  the  city  easily.  Although  he  had  been  so  badly  in- 
jured that  he  could  not  march  with  the  infantry,  and  had 
changed  to  the  cavalry  arm,  he  seemed  to  see  only  the  city 
wharves,  and  not  the  four  hundred  yards  of  water  in  the 
channel  between.  After  dark  he  climbed  the  stockade  and 
slipped  from  the  wall  into  the  bay. 

"The  chill  of  early  April  was  still  in  the  water.  In  spite  of 
it,  Webb  swam  across  to  a  point  just  below  Castle  Garden, 
now  the  Aquarium,  and  lifted  himself  upon  the  dock.  He 
wore  a  faded  Confederate  uniform,  and  found  himself  enjoy- 
ing the  doubtful  freedom  of  a  hostile  city  clad  in  this  garb 
and  wringing  wet.    A  citizen  spoke  to  him  in  Battery  Park. 

"  'Who  are  you?'  he  said.     'How  did  you  come  to  fall  in?' 

108 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

"  'I  swam  across  from  the  Island,'  Webb  answered.  'I 
escaped  from  the  prison  stockade  over  there.  I  am  Capt. 
Webb  of  the  Confederate  army.' 

"The  citizen  laughed  and  passed  on.  There  with  the  lights 
of  the  prison  twinkling  just  across  the  channel  several  other 
loungers  and  passers-by  asked  Webb  the  same  questions  and 
got  the  same  answer. 

"Webb  stayed  in  the  city  for  three  days  wearing  his  uni- 
form and  telling  every  one  who  asked  for  his  story  the  plain 
truth.  Doubtless  if  the  war  had  gone  on  for  some  time,  he 
might  have  been  retaken.    As  it  was,  he  went  free." 

Webb  was  Captain  and  Adjutant  of  the  2nd  North  Carolina 
Cavalry. 

Another  amusing  escape  from  the  Castle  related  by  a  con- 
temporary was  that  of  a  Confederate  soldier  who  in  some 
way  managed  to  get  out  of  a  gate  just  as  the  sentry  had 
passed.  He  ran  as  far  as  he  could  while  the  sentry  was  on 
the  beat.  Just  before  the  sentry  turned  the  prisoner  also 
turned  and  boldly  approached  the  main  gate.  The  sentry, 
perceiving  him,  ordered  him  peremptorily  away  from  the 
Castle,  stating  that  visitors  were  not  allowed  to  come  near 
the  gate,  an  order  that  coincided  remarkably  with  the  views 
of  the  Southern  tourist  who  carried  it  into  instant  effect  and 
did  not  return. 

The  inscription  on  the  Castle,  not  often  seen  because  of  the 
overgrowth  of  vines,  is  the  name  Castle  Williams  carved  on 
a  keystone  over  the  main  gate  with  graceful  flourishes.  To 
the  left  on  a  large  block  of  stone  are  the  words 

Commenced         and  to  the  right,  in  the         Compleated 
1807  spelling  of  the  day,  181 1 

The  guns,  except  those  on  the  parapets,  were  removed  in 
1893. 

109 


CHAPTER  V. 
Garrison  Events  and  Notes,  1868-1922 

In  this  chapter  various  data  of  more  or  less  importance  are 
cited  to  throw  light  upon  the  life  of  the  Garrison. 

Governors  Island  remained  an  Artillery  post  till  1850,  then 
it  was  a  Recruiting  Depot  till  1878,  when  it  became  Division 
Head  Quarters  with  an  Artillery  Garrison.  In  1894,  the 
Garrison  became  an  Infantry  one  and  so  remains. 

The  following  brief  extracts  are  taken  from  the  Medical 
History  of  the  Post  by  Surgeons  Page  and  Elbrey,  1866: 

Sea  wall  built  at  S.  W.  side  of  Island — 1868 — July,  Mean 
strength  of  the  Garrison  in  this  month — 618  men. 

1870 — August — 172  cases  of  yellow  fever — Troops  in 
camp — drills  omitted. 

1869 — The  Music  Boys  being  too  crowded  in  South  Bat- 
tery, half  their  number  went  into  camp,  wall  tents  being 
used. 

1870 — September — yellow  fever — 66  cases. 

The  S.  E.  portion  of  the  Island  appears  the  most  infected. 
In  one  set  of  quarters  21  were  sick  out  of  22.  In  another,  33 
out  of  40.  This  part  of  the  Island  was  quarantined  from  the 
rest.  The  caretaker  in  the  Chapel  stricken  with  the  disease — 
removed  to  hospital. 

October — Total  number  of  cases  of  yellow  fever,  131. 
Patients  transferred  to  West  Bank  Hospital,  10  miles  down 
the  Bay.  Many  died  as  result  of  transfer.  Chaplain  Alex- 
ander Davidson  caring  for  soldiers,  takes  the  disease  and 
dies. 

1 87 1 — March — Buildings  in  which  yellow  fever  existed 
torn  down. 

Ill 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

In  1868  the  barracks  in  Fort  Jay  were  as  now,  but  the 
one  on  west  side  was  used  for  Officers'  Quarters.  The  officers' 
quarters  were  divided  on  either  side  of  the  sally  port  into 
two  parts  by  a  hall,  on  each  side  of  which  were  communi- 
cating rooms,  16  rooms  in  all  and  8  kitchens  reckoned  for 
8  sets  of  quarters.* 

From  Circular  No.  8,  Surgeon  Generals'  Office,  by  Surgeon 
J.  J.  Millan  we  learn  some  details  as  to  buildings  on  the 
Post.  The  Long  building  near  the  Commanding  General's 
quarters,  East  of  the  Fort,  was  at  one  time  a  Court  Martial 
and  billiard  room  and  was  used  occasionally  for  dances. 
The  Q.  M.  Row,  near  South  Battery,  was  built  in  1871.  This 
Row  contains  19  quarters  for  families  of  employes.  On  the 
site  of  the  present  Chapel  stood  a  frame  building  used  for 
band  quarters,  later  for  Post  Library  and  later  still  as  a  resi- 
dence for  the  Boat  Captains.  In  1905  when  the  Chapel  was 
built  it  was  removed  to  a  position  near  the  Quartermaster's 
Office  and  stables. 

This  building  at  one  time  was  the  Garrison  Library  and 
contained  a  fine  collection  of  books.  The  first  floor  was  used 
for  school  purposes;  the  second  floor  for  the  library.  It  was 
burned  in  1869  and  the  books  were  destroyed. 

The  first  cemetery  was  near  the  present  Colonel's  Row; 
the  second  was  near  the  old  Chapel.  The  victims  of  the 
yellow  fever  and  cholera  were  buried  here.  The  iron  fence 
that  surrounded  this  graveyard  stands  now  behind  the  Gen- 
eral's Row  on  the  Lower  Road.  The  Pest  House  stood  near 
the  present  Colonel's  quarters.  Regimental  Row.  The  pres- 
ent hospital  was  built  about  1878.  No  interments  were 
allowed  in  the  Cemetery  after  1878  and  in  1886  the  remains 

*  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  in  1922  the  barracks  on  all  sides  of  the 
Quadrangle  are  used  for  Officers'  quarters. 

112 


HISTORY    OF*    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

were  removed  to  the  National  Cemetery,  Cypress  Hills, 
Brooklyn. 

A  few  years  ago  (1907)  remains  were  found  during  ex- 
cavations for  repairs  at  one  of  the  qviarters  in  Colonel's 
Row.  This  discovery  recalled  the  site  of  the  first  Cemetery 
established  on  Governors  Island.  There  is  no  known  record 
of  its  date,  and  it  is  quite  possible  that  the  British  used  it 
during  their  occupation,  1 776-1783,  as  war  conditions  would 
make  it  difficult  to  establish  one  elsewhere. 

Since  then  a  number  of  skeletons  have  been  found,  also 
domestic  implements,  an  Artillery  flat  button  of  the  period 
of  1812,  a  silver  Spanish  coin  dated  1742  and  other  relics. 

Governors  Island  was  visited  by  epidemics  of  cholera  in 
1854,  1857,  1866,  1867  and  1868,  and  by  the  yellow  fever  in 
1856  and  1870.  These  epidemics  were  general  in  their  char- 
acter, affecting  not  only  New  York  but  adjacent  territory. 
The  fact  of  the  Island's  being  a  Recruiting  Station  during 
that  time  serves  to  explain  the  failure  to  quarantine  the 
Garrison. 

The  Hospital  was  overcrowded  with  soldiers  and  the  other 
cases  of  which  there  were  an  enormous  number,  as  noted  on 
p.  Ill,  were  treated  in  the  various  houses  in  which  they 
occurred. 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 


RECORDS  OF  THE  CEMETERY 

The  following  list  of  burials,  while  accurate  in  detail, 
probably  omits  the  names  of  some,  especially  of  those  who 
were  transferred  to  West  Bank  Hospital  during  the  yellow 
fever  of  1870,  and  of  the  prisoners  of  War,  it  being  believed 
that  more  died  in  confinement  than  given  in  the  list  below : 

List  of  Officers  and  Members  of  their  Families  Buried 
ON  Governors  Island 

DATK    OF    DEATH 

Charles  Frye,  child Sept.  27,   1798 

Constant  Freeman,  child Aug.  5.   1799 

Robert  Heaton,  Jr..  Lieut.  2d  U.  S.  Art'y.  ..  .Oct.  17,   1799 

Mildred  K.  Souder,  child Sept.  6,   1807 

James  H.  Boyle,  Major  U.  S.  Art'y Febr.  8.   1816 

Helen  S.  Churchill,  child Sept.  27,   1818 

Samuel  Armstrong,  Lieut.  U.  S.  Art'y Sept.  8,   1819 

Lydia  Gates,  wife  of  Major  Lemuel  Gates.  .  Aprl.  26,  1822 

W.  J.  Page,  child Febr.  10,   1823 

James  C.  DeKamp,  status  unknown Febr.  29,   1854 

Susan  J.  DeKamp,  wife  of  above Sept.  11,   1824 

James  Mann,  Surgeon Nov.  7,   1843 

Eliza  F.  Brown,  child  of  Capt.  H.  Brown June  3,   1835 

Julia  A.  Brown,  child  of  Capt.  H.  Brown Dec.  15,   1836 

William  Gates,  Col.  and  Bvt.  Brig.-Genl.,  3d 

U.  S.  Art'y Oct.  7,   1868 

Collinson  R.  Gates,  Bvt.  Major,  8th  U.  S.  In- 
fantry    June  28,   1849 

Sarah  M.  Gates,  wife  of  Col.  Wm.  Gates Oct.  27,   1843 

Mary  Reed  Collins  Gates,  child  of  Wm.  Gates .  Dec.  3,   1838 

Lydia  Bedloe  Gates,  child  of  Wm.  Gates Febr.  28,   1839 

114 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

DATE   OK    DEATH 

Samuel  L.  Russel,  Capt.  2d  U.  S.  Inf'y Febr.  26,   1839 

James  Green,  Capt.  2d  U.  S.  Art'y Aug.  17,   1842 

Alexander  Cummings,  Colonel Jan.  31,   1842 

L.  M.  Shackleford,  Lieut,  ist  U.  S.  Art'y Oct.  12.   1847 

H.  D.  Wallen  (Samuel  G.),  child  of  H.  D. 

Wallen    Mar.  22,   1848 

Sidney  Smith,  Lieut,  ist  U.  S.  Art'y Nov.  6,   1849 

B.  K.  Pierce,  Lt.-Col.  ist  U.  S.  Art'y x\prl.  i,   1850 

Pierce,  daughter  of  above No  date 

F.  F. ,  Lieut No  date 

C.  B.  ,  Lieut No  date 

William  Walters,  Capt.  M.  S.  K June    2.-],   1864 

Katie  Walters,  daughter  of  above June    26,   i860 

Ward  Miller,  child  of  Lieut.  T.  E.  Miller Sept.   25,   1862 

Robert  O.  Abbott,  Col.  and  Surgeon June    16,   1867 

T.  A.  H.  Gabel,  Lieut.  Batn.  Major  45th  U. 

S.  Infantry Dec.     12,   1868 

Bessie  Auman,  child  of  Lieut.  Auman Febr.   19,   1875 

Joseph  Plympton,  Col.  ist  Inf'y.  \        No  date 

*removed  to  Woodlawn  Cemetery,  N.Y.C.jJ Nov.      6,   1897 

Courtney,  child No  date 

Thomas  B.  Weir,  Captain  7th  U.  S.  Cavalry.  .Dec.      9,   1876 
Charles   McCormick,   Col.   and   Surgeon   U. 

S.  A Aprl.  28,   1877 

Officers  and  families 39 

Enlisted  men  and  their  families  known  are.  .  .  .  169 

Enlisted  men  and  their  families  unknown  are .  .  191 

Military  convicts 4 

families 60 

Total 463 

*From  National  Cemetery,   Cypress  Hills. 
"5 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  reinterment  of  officers  was  made  in  a  row  on  the 
North  side  of  the  Cemetery ;  of  the  non-commissioned  officers 
and  privates  about  the  middle  of  the  Cemetery,  east  of  the 
centre  hne. 

Among  the  stones  which  were  removed  from  Governors 
Island  and  re-erected  in  1878  are  two  of  a  fine  brown  sand- 
stone, beautifully  cut  in  the  ancient  style  with  inscriptions 
which  are  given  here : 

SACRED  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  WILLIAM  MCinTYRE, 
LATE  SERJEANT  IN  CAPT.  RICHARD  WHILEy's 
COMPANY  U.  S.  RECT.  OF  ARTILLERISTS,  WHO 
DEPARTED      THIS      LIFE      MAY      THE       I2TH       1808. 


The  other  is  in  memory  of 

HIRAM  ANDRUS 

OF  CO.  F,  4TH  REGT.  OF 

U.  S.  ARTILLERY 

WHO  DIED  AT  FORT  COLUMBUS 

JULY   10,    1833. 

Another  of  white  marble,  with  a  non-commissioned  officer's 
sword  and  belt  carved  at  the  top  records  the  death  of 

SERGEANT  CHARLES   HENKE 

BORN   IN   DENMARK 

NOV.    12,    1794 

DIED  JAN'y   14,   1872 

AGED    78   YEARS 

IN  THE  5OTII  YEAR  OF  HIS  SERVICE  IN  THE 

U.  S.  ARMY 

116 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


List  of  Enlisted  Men  and  their  Families  and  Civilians 
Buried  on  Governors  Island 

DATE    OF    DEATH 

William  Mclntyre,  Sergt.  U.  S.  Arty May    12,  1868 

Ann  Snelling,  child Oct.     28,  1815 

William  Patterson,  Sergt Sept.     3,  1826 

Catherine  Littlefield,  wife  of  Walter  Little- 
field  Aprl.   II,  1829 

William  Cherrington July     10,  1830 

Adeline  M.  McGuire,  daughter  of  James  Mc- 

Guire Oct.       3,  1830 

John  B.  Manning   June      2,  1831 

Hiram  Andrus,  4th  U.  S.  Art'y Febr.   10,  1833 

Harman  L.  Hemstreet,  Music  Boys Mar.      7,  1833 

Douglas  Morrison,  child Dec.     19,  1833 

May  Morrison,  child Dec.     19,  1833 

Ann  E.  L.  Morrison Aug.    27,  1845 

Jane  Douglass,  wife  of  R.  Douglass Mar.    24,  1847 

George  W.  Douglass,  child  of  R.  Douglass.  .Mar.    24,  1847 

William  F.  Fried,  child Oct.     31,  1848 

Wilhelmina  Fried   No  date 

John  Fried,  Sergt.  Co.  B,  Union  Boys Sept.   20,  1865 

John  Hughes,  Sergt.  4th  U.  S.  Art'y Jan.       7,  1851 

Martha  Hughes,  wife  of  John  Hughes Mar.      7,  1852 

Mary    ,    "our    Mary,"    child    of    John 

Hughes  (supposed) No  date 

Charles  Stanley,  Musician Mar.    18,  1854 

Ann  Henke,  wife  of  Charles  Henke Sept.     2,  1856 

Charles  Henke,  Sergt.  Co.  B,  Music  Boys.. Jan.     14,  1872 

Esther  T.  Pfefferle,  child July     28,  1856 

Francis  Smith   Oct.       3,  1856 

David  L.  Walsh,  Sergt Jan.       9,  1857 


117 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


DATE   OF    DEATH 


86 1 
86 1 
86i 
856 
862 
868 


0- 

28, 


Jessie   Horan,   child May    15, 

Ann  M.  Lowe,  child July     17, 

Alexander  D.  Hoyt,  child May    29, 

John  B.  Pinghard Feb.  28, 

Maria  Pinghard,  wife  of  John  B.  Pinghard.  .May  29, 
Bridget  Stuart,  wife  of  Sergt.  Patk.  S.  Stuart.  Aug.  12, 
William  R.  Stuart,  child  of  Sergt.  Patk.  S. 

Stuart   Ma}' 

Mary  J.  Stuart,  child  of  Sergt.  Patk.  S.  Stuart.Apr 
Rosanna    Stuart,    child   of    Sergt.    Patk.    S. 

Stuart Aug.    22, 

John  Haintz,  Sergt.  Ordnance,  U.  S.  A Feb.        i , 

Julia  Haintz,  child  of  John  Haintz April  18, 

Mary  Haintz,  child  of  John  Haintz No  date 

Fred  Haintz,  child  of  John  Haintz Sept. 

P.  H.  Guerin,  Sergt.  Co.  A,  Permt.  Party. 

U.  S.  A Feb. 

Emeline  Allen,  wife  of  G.  W.  Allen Apr. 

John  Henion,  Pv't  Co.  B,  Union  Boys Nov. 

William  Head,  Sergt Apr. 

William  N.  Head,  child  of  Wm.  Head Nov. 

James    Casey,    Pv't    Co.    A,    Permt.    Party, 

U.  S.  A Aug. 

Hutchinson  M.  Howe,  Pv't.  Co.  A,  Permt. 

Party,  U.  S.  A Sept. 

Albert  Lagenboner,  child Jan. 

Gustav  N.  Lagenboner,  child Feb. 

Hannah  M.  Kieley June 

Patrick  Kieley,  child No  date 

Giles  D.  Taylor,  child July     15, 

Winford  R.  Farlie,  child May    18, 

George  H.  Arthur,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug.    16,   1866 


16, 

21, 

24. 

3. 

13. 

13- 

24. 

9. 

12, 


863 
868 

868 
864 
865 

870 

864 
864 
864 
865 
865 

866 

870 
877 
877 
861 

869 
864 


118 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

DATE 

William  Meredith,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug. 

John  Moore,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A..  Aug. 
David   Lieberson,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug. 

James  Smith,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.Aug. 
Thomas    Kelly,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug. 

Patrick    Riley,    Pvt.    Co.     D,    Gen.     Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

Rudolph   Kaimer,   Mus.   Co.   B,   Gen.   Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

Charles   McKoon,   Pvt.    Co.   D,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

Robert  Wolf,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. Aug. 
Herbert    Dailey,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

Elias  Morris.  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.July 
John    McHugh,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

Thomas  Wheeler,   Pvt.    Co.   D,   Gen.   Serv., 

U.  S.  A. July 

Thomas    Martin,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

Isaac  J.  Robinson,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

Peter    Glandon,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

James  Connors,  Prisoner July 

Francis    King,    Pvt.     Co.     D,     Gen.     Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

John    McMahon,    Pvt.    Co.    B,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July 

119 


OP  DEATH 

5 

1866 

3 

1866 

8 

1866 

6 

1866 

5 

1866 

28 

1866 

20, 

1866 

15, 

1866 

4. 

1866 

21, 

1866 

24. 

1866 

25. 

1866 

30, 

1866 

30, 

1866 

28, 

1866 

16, 

1866 

15. 

1866 

13. 

1866 

18, 

1866 

HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


DATE    OF    DEATH 

John   McColgan,   Mus.    Co.   B,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July    20,   1866 

Lawrence  Broderick,  Mus.  Co.  B,  Gen.  Serv.. 

U.  S.  A July    20,   1866 

Frederick  W.  Johnson,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A July     21,   1866 

Alexander   Wise,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv.. 

U.  S.  A July     19,  1866 

Henry  Wier,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv..  U.  S.  A.July  31,  1866 
George    Rixford,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July     26,   1866 

David  Ewing,   Prisoner  Co.   B,  Gen.   Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug.      3.   1866 

David    Forney,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.     Serv., 

U.   S.   A Sept.   28,  1866 

Fritz    Mathisson,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug.    18,   1866 

Daniel   Dunford,   Mus.   Co.    B,   Gen.   Serv., 

U.  S  A July    20,   1866 

Francis    Lurst,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug.    II,   1866 

Monroe  McKelsey,  Pvt.  Co.  C,  Permt.  Party, 

U.  S.  A Aug.      7.  1866 

Carl  Gross,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A..  Aug.  7,  1866 
Charles    Howe,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.   S.   A Aug.      4,   1866 

Martin    Coster,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv.. 

U.   S.   A Sept.    1 5.   1866 

Henry  Boyer,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. Aug.  3,  1866 
Josiah   Harrison,   Mus.   Boys,   Co.    D.   Gen. 

Serv..  U.  S.  A July    20,   1866 

Emanuel  Ferguson,  Pvt.  9th  U.  S.  Tnf'y.  .  .  .July     23,   1866 


120 


HISTORY    OF    G0VE;RN0RS   ISLAND 


Abraham    Walk,    Pvt.    Co.    B,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A 

Joseph  Emerson,   Pvt.   Co.   D,  Gen.   Serv., 

U.  S.  A 

John  R.  P.  Smith 

J.  Denanny 

James  Neland,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. 
Christ.   Saltmeyer,  Pvt.   Co.   D,   Gen.   Serv., 

U.  S.  A 

Peter  Burke,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A. 
John  Bush,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A. . 

Lewis  T.  Young,  Pvt 

Elizabeth  G.  Ives 

Charles  Bessamore,  Co.  B,  Union  Boys 

Frederick  O'Brien,  child 

Winifred  O'Brien,  child 

Fred.  Reynolds 

Reynolds 

William  Gulick,  Sgt.  Co.  F,  Permt.  Party. . . 
Alexander  Moore,  Pvt.  Co.  M,  2d  U.  S.Art'y. 
Franz  Hooper,  Pvt.  Co.  A,  Permt.  Party .... 
C.   McCormick,   Sgt.   Co.   A,   Permt.   Party, 

U.  S.  A 

F.  Holfriede,  Pvt.  Co.  F,  ist  U.  S.  Art'y 

Frederick  Grunert,  child 

J.  Johnson,  Pvt.  Co.  C,  6th  U.  S.  Infty 

Walter  Kilborn,  Pvt.  Co.  K,  91st  N.  Y.  Infty. 
J.  Morrison,  Pvt.  Co.  G,  98th  N.  Y.  Infty.  .  . 
W.  A.  Huckbone,  Pvt.  Co.  I,  91st  N.  Y.  Infty. 

W.  McBride,  Pvt.  Co.  F,  Permt.  Party 

John  Fish,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  91st  N.  Y.  Infty 

W.  Simmons,  Pvt.  Co.  I,  91st  N.  Y.  Infty..  . 


DATE   OF   DEATH 


July    31,   1866 


Aug.  10, 

Aug.  I, 

No  date 

Sept.  26, 

Sept.  12, 

Sept.  26, 

Sept.  17, 

Jan.  3, 

July  7. 

June  20, 

Mar.  24, 

Mar.  2-], 

Aug.  17, 

No  date 

June  25, 

Sept.  24, 

Apr.  28, 

Aug.  12, 

Nov.  2, 

July  II, 

Dec.  25, 

Jan.  5. 


Jan. 
Jan. 


6, 
9. 


May  19, 
Jan.  17, 
Jan.  30, 


866 
866 

866 

866 
866 
866 

856 

873 
861 
862 
862 
862 

862 
861 
865 

865 
861 
872 
861 
862 
862 
862 
862 
862 
862 


121 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

DATE  OF    DEATH 

Joseph  or  James  Trumble,  Sgt.  Co.  G,  Permt. 

Party Dec.      2,   1861 

David  Flecke,  Corp.  Co.  A,  Permt.  Party. .  .Dec.  16,  1861 
Francis  Shields,  Sgt.  Co.  I,  Permt.  Party.  .  .  .Oct.        i,   1861 

Robertson,  woman No  date 

Grace  Robertson,  child No  date 

P.  Griffin,  Pvt.  Co.  H.  ist  U.  S.  Infty Feb.  20,   1862 

Alfred  Pitt,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  98th  N.  Y.  Infty Feb.  23,   1862 

Patrick  Conkly,  Pvt.  Co.  H,  28th  Mass.  Infty.Mar.      7,   i8f)2 

James   Carr,   Musician Feb.  22,   1863 

Charles  Allen,  Corp.  Co.  K,  7th  N.  Y.  Infty..  Dec.  18,   1864 

Rudolph  Schaer,  child Sept.  15,   1867 

William  Muller,  Pvt.  Co.  D Mar.      6,   1866 

James  Kellog,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A Sept.  19,   1867 

Fernando  Snyder,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A Sept.  18,   1867 

Adalbert   Rogers,    Pvt.    Co.    D,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.  16,   1867 

William    Swain,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.  14,   1867 

Christ.  Nolte,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.Sept.  6,  1867 
Adolph    Aikens,    Pvt.    Co.    C,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.  II,   1867 

John  H.  Etzold,  Pvt.  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A..  .  .Sept.  12,  1867 
Benjamin  Williams,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.      5,   1867 

John  Horan,  Recruit,  U.  S.  A Sept.     3,   1867 

Christ.    Liesbert,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.      I,   1867 

Henry  Peck,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. Sept.  5.  1867 
Edward  McLaughlin,  Pvt.  U.  R.  C,  U.  S.  A..Sept.  3,  1867 
Charles   Donnely,   Pvt.    Co.   B,   Gen.   Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.      I,   1867 

122 


HISTORY   OF    GOVEIRNORS    ISLAND 

DATE    OF   DEATH 

Frank   Gallagher,    Pvt.    Co.    D,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug.    31,   1867 

Francis   McKeon,   Pvt.    Co.    D,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Oct.       2,   1866 

Thomas   Patston,    Pvt.    Co.    D,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July    24,  1867 

James  Patston,  child  of  T.  Patston No  date 

Lewis    Vassell,    Pvt.    Co.    B,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug.      2,  1867 

Joseph    Recaid,    Recr.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Aug.    31,  1867 

Oliver    Hersher,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A July      4,   1866 

William  Hilliers,   Pvt.    Co.   D,   Gen.    Serv.. 

U.  S.  A Sept.     6,  1866 

Patrick  Hart,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. Aug.      8,   1866 
Frederick  Weil,  Prisoner,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. Sept.   22,   1866 

Simon  S.  Schultz,  child Sept.    16,  1866 

P.  McGuire,  Pvt.  Co.  G,  28th  Mass.  Infty. .  .Feb.     19,  1862 
Henry    Shipley,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Oct.       3,   1866 

Andreas  P.  Karberg,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A Oct.       6,  1866 

Henry    Schlegel,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Oct.     13,  1866 

Frank  Jones,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A..Oct.     15,   1866 
John   H.   Totten,    Pvt.    Co.    D,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Oct.     19,  1866 

John    Heberger,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Oct.'    20,  1866 

John    Sanberg,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Oct.     27,   1866 

123 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

DATE   OF    DEATH 

Frederick  Traub,   Pvt.   Co.   D,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Nov.      6,  1866 

Martin   Leonard,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Dec.      4,  1866 

Edward  Tryer,  Pvt Feb.      2,  1867 

John  Jones,  Corp.  Co.  C,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. Mar.    27,  1867 

Louis  A.  Harry,  Pvt Apr.      6,  1867 

Andrew  Flickinger,  Pvt Apr.     15,  1867 

Thomas  McHugh,  Pvt.   Co.   D,  Gen.   Serv., 

U.  S.  A Nov.      7,  1867 

John  Hooley,  Pvt.  ist  Prov.  Co.,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A Apr.     14,  1869 

Thomas  Cryon,  Pvt.  Co.  C Aug.    25,  1868 

Patrick    Byrne,    Pvt.    Co.    E,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Apr.    25.  1868 

John    Kennedy,    Pvt.    Co.    A,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Jan.       3,  1868 

John  Burke,  Pvt.  Co.  A,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. Nov.    22,  1867 

John  Smith,  Pvt.  Co.  A,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.. Oct.  29,  1867 
Charles    Huber,    Pvt.    C.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Oct.       8,  1867 

Frank  Burke,  Pvt.  Co.  A,  Gen.  Serv.  U.  S.  A.. Sept.   26,  1867 

Carl  Schaer,  Pvt.  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A Sept.    18,  1867 

Henry    Weber,    Pvt.    Co.    C,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.    14,  1867 

George  Gass,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A. .Sept.  14,  1867 
Robert   F.    Jern,    Pvt.    Co.    C,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.    II.  1867 

John  Hyler,  Pvt.  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A Sept.    10,  1867 

Thomas  McGrath,  Prisoner  Co.  B,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.     9,  1867 

124 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

DATE   OF    DEATH 

Thomas    Flynn,    Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.     6,   1867 

Frank   Keckynar,    Pvt.    Co.   D,   Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.     8,   1867 

James    C.    Elliot,   Pvt.    Co.    D,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.     6,   1867 

Charles  Dillman,   Pvt.   Co.   B,  Union  Boys, 

U.  S.  A Sept.   29,   1865 

Andrew  T.  Ford,  Sergt.  Co.  C,  Permt.  Party, 

U.  S.  A Sept.    10,   1865 

Jacob  Haefele,  Sergt.  Co.  C,  Permt.  Party, 

U.  S.  A Apr.    20,  1873 

James  Bodgers,  child Jan.     15,   1878 

Magdalen  Stigler,  wife  of  Band  Master Mar.    11,   1878 

Ann  Mourifif No  date 

George  E.  Hanna,  child Oct.     28,  1861 

Samuel    Meades,    Pvt.    Co.    E,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Apr.    26,  1871 

William    Gibson,    Pvt.    Co.    E,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A Mar.    31,  1870 

Stephen  D.  Lockwood,  Pvt.  Co.  A,  Pemit. 

Party,  U.  S.  A Feb.    20,   1870 

Ellen  Farrell,  child Apr.     11,   1862 

Mela  Reynolds,  child Aug.    25,   1873 

Chris  MarHn,  Pvt.  Co.  B,  Music  Boys May    23,   1873 

William  McFarland,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv., 

U.  S.  A Sept.    16,   1870 

Peter  Luck,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.,  U.  S.  A.  .Aug.      i,   1870 
James    Kelcher,    Pvt.    Co.    E,    Gen.    Serv., 

U.  S.  A June    24,  1870 

Francis  Gungent,  Pvt.  Co.  D,  Select  Recruits. Apr.     12,   1870 


12 


D 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

DATs:  OF    DEATH 

William  Seery,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Recr.  .Feb.  i8,   1872 

Henry  Carroll,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Recr. .Jan.  i,  1872 
William  F.   Curtis,   Pvt.   Co.  E,  Gen.   Serv. 

Recruit   Aug.  27,   1871 

Joseph  Villenger,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Recr. Jan.  18,   1871 

Thomas  Sullivan,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Recr.Sept.  25.   1870 

Henry  Rathkamp,  Pvt.  Co.  A,  Permt.  Party. .Sept.  27.   1870 

Henry  Bennett,  Pvt.  Co.  B,  Music  Boys.  .  .  .Oct.  i.   1870 

Patrick  Daley,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv Feb.  8,   1871 

Willet  C.  West,  Fifer  Co.  B,  Music  Boys.  .  .Mar.  25,   1871 

Michael  Kinsell,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Rets.. May  7,   1871 

James  Colgan,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Rets..  .Mar.  5,   1872 

Patrick  Colden,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Rets.  .May  25,   1872 

Peter  Storms,  Sergt.  Co.  A,  Permt.  Party. .  .Oct.  19,   1863 

Lizzie  Corliss  Lynch,  child No  date 

Daniel  Nowlan,  child No  date 

John  C.  Indale,  child No  date 

Alfred  B.  Haynes,  Pvt.  Co.  B,  Music  Boys.  .July  23,   1873 

Julius  Steinman,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Rets .  Oct.  24,  1873 
Michael  Morrissey,  Pvt.  Co.  C,  22d  U.   S. 

Infty Aug.  20,   1872 

Albert  O.  Dennis,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  Gen.  Serv.  Rets. Mar.  29,  1872 
Justus   Schlessing,   Pvt.    Co.   E,   Gen.   Serv. 

Rets Mar.  13,  1872 

Henry  Christopher,  Pvt.  Co.  C,  Permt.  Party.Jan.  8,   1872 

William  Skelly,  Pvt.  Co.  M,  5th  U.  S.  Art'y..Dec.  17,  1871 

Robert  Scott,  Pvt.  Co.  A,  Permt.  Party June  10,   1871 

Jacob  Mertins,  Sergt.  Co.  A,  Permt.  Party.  .Sept.  19,   1870 

Patrick  Leonard,  Corp.  Co.  C,  Permt.  Party. .Sept.  17,   1870 

Ernest  Dallye,  Pvt.  Co.  A,  Permt.  Party Sept.  13.   1870 

Peter  Creamer,  Corp.  Co.  B,  Music  Boys. .  .  .Sept.  10.   1870 

126 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


Confederate  Prisoners  of  War 

DATE    OF    DEATH 

J.  E.  Barbury,  Co.  D,  28th  N.  Carolina June  7,   1862 

Hosea  G.  Blount,  Co.  F,  7th  N.  Carolina.  .  .  .Sept.  29,   1861 

David  Iv.  Rodgeron,  Co.  F,  7th  N.  Carolina ..  Oct.  8,   1861 

M.  G.  Roberson,  Co.  F,  7th  N.  Carolina Oct.  11,  1861 

Stephen  Kite,  Co.  G,  7th  N.  Carolina Oct.  27,   1861 

Saml.  D.  Titterton,  Co.  F,  7th  N.  Carolina.  .Oct.  29,   1861 

Simpson,  Co.  F,  7th  N.  Carolina Nov.  19,   1861 

Alpha  Modlin    Nov.  24,  1861 

Jennings   Mar.  11,   1862 

Smith  Bartley    May  30,   1862 

G.  Townsend,  Pvt.  Co.  E,  27th  N.  Carolina. June  3,   1862 

Inquiries  are  frequently  made  with  reference  to  burials  on  Governors 
Island  and  the  above  list  has  been  found  useful,  in  one  case  the  Chap- 
lain being  able  to  verify  an  interment  made  in  1818. 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 


GARRISON  LIFE 

In  the  early  days  Governors  Island  must  have  been  a  dark 
place  after  retreat.  Up  to  1854  candles  were  the  only  source 
of  illumination.  Later,  whale  oil  was  introduced  and  then 
kerosene.  Until  1878,  when  General  Hancock  made  his  head- 
quarters here,  there  were  no  street  lights  at  all,-  except  one 
light  at  the  dock,  a  condition  which  was  not  so  brilliant  as 
that  enjoyed  by  New  York  in  1697,  when  the  Common 
Council  ordered  the  city  to  be  lighted  by  lanterns  from  poles 
that  projected  from  every  seventh  house. 

The  Common  Council,  at  a  stated  meeting  held  at  the 
House  of  John  Simmons,  Innholder  at  the  N.  W.  corner  of 
Wall  and  Nassau  Streets  (now  the  site  of  the  Bankers'  Trust 
Building)  on  the  17th  day  of  February,  1784.  issued  a 
Warrant  No.  15  to  Wm.  Deal  and  others  for  lighting  the 
City  lamps,  to  the  amount  of  £21  5s. 

Electric  lighting  was  introduced  on  May  10,  1904.  The 
Arsenal  at  that  time  had  and  for  some  time  later  continued 
to  use  acetylene  gas  manufactured  at  a  private  plant  in  the 
Yard. 

Dances  were  held  in  various  places  at  various  times ;  at  one 
time  in  the  former  Administration  Building;  in  the  old 
Hospital,  where  the  Grand  Duke  Alexis  of  Russia  was  enter- 
tained in  1872,  a  marquee  being  erected  in  front;  at  one 
time  in  the  present  Warrant  Officers'  quarters,  cast  side  of 
Island,  and  later,  as  now,  in  the  Officers"  Club  House,  South 
Battery. 

The  water  supply  was  in  those  days  a  troublesome  question. 
Surgeon  Page  in  his  history  (1868)  writes: 

"The  wells  are  four  in  number.  One  is  in  Castle  Williams 
and  furnishes  a  small  supply  of  tolerably  good  water.     It 

128 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

dries  in  ten  minutes  and  requires  some  time  to  refill.  An- 
other well  is  in  front  of  Fort  Columbus,  but  unfit  for  drinking 
purposes.  Another  is  near  the  old  Hospital  and  is  the  best 
and  most  used  on  the  Island,  all  the  animals  being  watered 
at  this  well."  The  pump  connected  with  this  well  was  in 
situ,  handle  and  all,  as  late  as  1905. 

Water  from  the  City  (Ridgewood)  was  introduced  by 
mains  under  Buttermilk  Channel  about  1880,  soon  after 
General  Hancock's  arrival. 

The  Hospital  mentioned  in  this  report  is  the  Hospital  of 
1868,  now  (1922)  used  for  officers  quarters.  Another  well 
not  mentioned  was  in  the  Arsenal  Yard.  This  was  quite  a 
pretty  spot,  arranged  in  the  nature  of  a  spring  house,  with 
a  flight  of  stone  steps  going  down  and  a  little  arbour  to  pro- 
tect it  from  the  sun. 

A  well  of  pure  water  in  South  Battery  is  also  mentioned  by 
Surgeon  Page,  who  goes  on  to  say  that  rain  water  is  collected 
from  the  roofs  of  nearly  all  the  buildings  in  cisterns.  No 
attempts  were  made  to  sink  artesian  wells  on  account  of  the 
geological  formation  and  great  dip  of  the  strata.  In  this  con- 
nection it  may  be  interesting  to  mention  the  natural  history  of 
Governors  Island. 

"The  basic  rock  of  the  Island  is  gneiss  composed  of  quartz, 
feldspar  and  mica  arranged  in  laminae,  the  rock  being  strati- 
fied and  hypozoic,  covered  with  alluvial  and  drift  deposit. 
The  direction  of  the  stratum  corresponds  with  N.  S.  and  the 
dip,  though  generally  to  the  west,  averages  within  10°  vertical. 
The  water  now  in  use,  derived  from  shallow  wells,  is  hard  and 
contains  a  great  quantity  of  organic  matter.  The  high  angle 
dip  and  deep  surrounding  channels  make  good  water  unattain- 
able. The  alluvial  deposits  consist  of  loam,  clay,  sand  and 
gravel.  The  drift  is  composed  of  abraded  boulders,  gravel 
and  sand  and  all  were  driven  probably  by  ice  pressure.     The 

129 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

alluvial  and  diluvial  deposits  are  probably  lOO  feet  deep  at 
the  N.  and  S.  ends." 

The  Island  was  undoubtedly  separated  from  the  mainland 
during  the  Glacial  period. 

Circular  No.  8  (1875)  states  that  the  cisterns  frequently 
ran  dry.  At  these  times  they  were  cleaned  and  fumigated  and 
filled  with  Croton  water  brought  from  the  City  in  tanks  of 
Quartermaster  boats. 

These  cisterns  are  being  gradually  filled.  A  number  were 
filled  from  the  excavations  of  the  new  Chapel  in  1905-6. 

The  use  of  the  drum  for  calls  was  given  up  about  1876. 
There  is  a  tradition  that  the  last  official  drum  hung  in  the  tree 
where  it  was  kept  for  a  year  or  so  after  that  time.  An  officer 
has  told  the  author  he  remembers  seeing  it  so  on  several 
occasions. 

A  marked  depression  in  the  surface  of  the  Park  near  the 
fountain  often  arouses  curiosity  as  to  what  it  represents  in 
the  otherwise  level  surface  of  the  ground. 

Major  Kendall,  a  veteran  of  the  War  of  181 2,  lived  on 
Governors  Island  after  retirement  with  his  daughters  and 
held  the  position  of  Sutler.  His  residence  was  at  the  western 
end  of  a  long  row  of  houses  that  stretched  from  the  former 
Post  Quartermaster's  office  and  carpenter  shop  to  what  is 
now  No.  18,  Colonel's  Row. 

This  row  was  of  wooden  houses,  one  story  in  height,  with 
cellar,  and  besides  the  Sutler  and  his  store  accommodated  a 
number  of  soldiers  and  their  families. 

According  to  tradition,  these  buildings  were  erected  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  builders  of  Fort  Jay  after  the  American 
Revolution.  Some  believe  they  represent  the  English  occupa- 
tion of  1776-1783.*     The  beams  and  all  the  wood  were  of 

*  This  is  confirmed  by  the  fact  that  the  group  of  buildings  as  late  as 
1850  was  called  "Rotten  Row." 

130 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

very  heavy  construction.  Some  were  burned  down  in  1856, 
and  the  rest  were  removed  after  the  yellow  fever  epidemic  in 
1870.  In  removing  them  it  was  found  inconvenient  to  fill  in 
all  the  cellars,  the  supply  of  earth  being  limited.  The  depres- 
sion alluded  to  marks  this  ancient  row  and  probably  Major 
Kendall's  quarters. 

Major  Kendall,  upon  the  burning  of  his  quarters  in  1856, 
moved  to  quarters  in  the  S.  E.  angle  of  the  barracks.  Fort 
Columbus. 

The  condition  of  the  works  on  Bedlow's  and  Ellis'  Island 
and  of  the  fortification  at  the  Battery  may  be  learned  from 
Colonel  Williams'  Report  of  Jan'y  19,  1810.  in  which  he  says 
Ellis  Island  mounts  8  32  pdrs.  with  a  platform  capable  of 
mounting  20;  that  Bedlow's  Battery  is  ready  for  8  or  10 
mortars,  with  the  main  work  of  40  guns  half  completed,  and 
that  by  July  the  first  tier  of  a  castle  at  the  Old  Battery  will  be 
completed,  mounting  30  of  the  heaviest  guns.  This  castle  was 
at  first  officially  known'as  the  South  West  Battery,  after  the 
war  as  Castle  Clinton,  whence  its  peaceful  designation  of 
Castle  Garden  was  derived. 

In  1822  Castle  Clinton  was  ceded  by  the  Government  to  the 
City  of  New  York,  and  the  soldiery  were  removed  to  Gover- 
nors Island.  At  this  time  and  for  many  years  following 
Castle  Clinton  was  separated  from  the  shore  by  a  channel  and 
access  was  had  by  a  long  wooden  bridge. 

In  addition  to  its  military  uses  Governors  Island  served  as 
a  flagging  station  to  report  the  arrival  of  ships  before  the  in- 
vention of  the  telegraph.  New  York's  most  famous  hotel  in 
1823  was  Holt's,  afterward  the  United  States  Hotel,  on 
Fulton  Street.  This  hotel  had  a  lofty  cupola  in  which  a  ship 
signal  station  was  located.  When  ships  were  sighted  at  Sandy 
Hook  the  news  was  flagged  to  Staten  Island,  from  Staten 
Island  to  Governors  Island,  the  station  being  probably  at  the 

131 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Castle,  and  from  there  to  the  station  on  Holt's  Hotel  for  the 
benefit  of  the  whole  City. 

In  Wall's  painting  of  the  Castle  appears  on  the  parapet  a 
cupola  which  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  was  the  ship  signal 
station. 

Old  pictures  of  the  Castle,  though  later  than  this  painting, 
show  a  flag  flying  from  a  staff  erected  in  the  middle  of  the 
courtyard.  This  flag  was  used  25  years  ago  for  saluting  and 
other  special  purposes  only,  the  garrison  flag  being  at  Fort 
Jay.  The  stafif  was  removed  about  20  years  ago.  The  guns, 
except  those  on  the  parapet,  were  removed  about  the  same 
time. 

In  1832,  thorough  repairs  of  the  works  were  begun  and 
prosecuted  until  August,  when  the  work  was  abandoned  on 
account  of  the  cholera.  In  September,  1832,  new  barracks 
were  begun  within  the  fort,  some  of  the  troops  having  pre- 
viously encamped  on  the  parade.  The  scarp  wall,  the  counter 
scarp  revetments  and  the  revetments  of  the  glacis  were  com- 
pleted, also  the  facing  of  the  covered  way  revetment  leading 
from  Fort  Columbus  to  the  Castle. 

In  this  year  the  Post  was  re-occupied  by  Battery  F,  4th 
Artillery,  under  command  of  Captain  L.  Whiting.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1836,  Captain  W.  W.  Tompkins  with  a  large  detach- 
ment of  recruits  of  the  2nd  Dragoons  arrived  and  assumed 
command. 

In  1833  the  sum  of  $50,000  was  appropriated  for  repairs  to 
Castle  Williams  and  Fort  Columbus.  How  this  was  expended 
so  far  as  the  fort  is  concerned  we  learn  from  the  report  of 
Capt.  J.  L.  Smith,  Corps  of  Engineers,  who  writes  under  date 
of  Oct.  19,  1833  (condensed)  : 

"The  scarp  and  curtain  are  finished.  The  counter  scarp 
and  revetment  of  the  glacis  are  finished  except  the  W.  front. 
The  passage  way  through  the  postern  is  raised  to  the  height 
of  the  spring  of  the  arch.    Four  cisterns,  of  4,000  gallons  each 

132 


HISTORY   01''    GOVEIRNORS    ISLAND 

are  finished  under  the  rampart.  Four  more  are  to  be  made. 
The  redan  with  casemated  flanks  on  the  N.  front  was  formerly 
approached  from  the  parade  through  a  gap  in  the  rampart. 
The  gap  has  been  filled  by  a  magazine. 

The  part  of  the  hollow  passage  near  the  salient  of  the  redan 
is  to  be  occupied  by  two  magazines  for  fixed  ammunition  or 
storage.  This  will  enlarge  the  terreplain  and  the  salient  of 
the  redan.  The  parapets  are  sodded  and  the  glacis  is  being 
graduated." 

Other  additions  and  repairs  to  the  Castle  and  Fort  were 
made  in  1836,  for  which  were  appropriated  $20,000. 

Company  B  of  the  permanent  party  called  the  "music  boys," 
a  detachment  of  recruits  for  the  field  music  of  the  army,  occu- 
pied the  South  Battery.  On  Dec.  28,  1836,  the  troops  in  gar- 
rison, with  the  exception  of  the  recruits  of  the  2nd  Dragoons, 
were  ordered  to  Florida  for  the  Seminole  War. 

On  April  18,  1837,  a  battery  of  the  ist  Artillery  under  Capt. 
J.  Dimick  occupied  the  post  and  Fort  Columbus  continued  to 
be  an  Artillery  Post  until  November  15,  1852,  when  Gover- 
nors Island  became  a  General  Recruiting  Depot  vice  Fort 
Wood,  pursuant  to  Genl.  Orders  No.  38,  Series  of  1852, 
A.  G.  Office. 

The  Post  was  at  once  occupied  by  Battery  A,  1st  Artillery, 
under  command  of  Capt.  Joseph  P.  Sanger,  the  garrison  being 
shortly  afterwards  strengthened  by  Battery  D  of  the  same 
Regiment. 

From  the  Adjutant  General's  Notes  we  learn  that  a  new 
Barbette  battery  was  built  in  the  8o's.  This  extended  from  the 
neighborhood  of  the  Post  Chapel  N.  W.  across  the  Parade 
towards  the  Castle.  It  mounted  a  few  guns  and  a  modern 
earthwork  battery  was  begun  but  not  completed,  and  the  entire 
battery  was  removed  about  1893.* 

*  Remains  of  this  battery  were  discovered  in  the  Summer  of  1910, 
when  the  saU-water  mains  were  laid  across  the  Island. 

^33 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Plans  were  drawn  as  early  as  1869  io^  ^  "New  Barbette 
Battery"  to  cross  the  parade  from  the  Castle  S.  E.  to  the 
Colonels'  Row,  but  this  was  for  some  reason  never  begun. 

In  June,  1892,  the  armament  of  this  Post,  as  given  by  the 
Adjutant  General,  was : 

Thirty-six  lo-inch  Rodman  guns,  five  15-inch  Rodman 
guns,  two  8-inch  siege  howitzers,  five  loo-pdr.  Parrott  guns, 
two  4^/2 -inch  rifles,  two  24-pdr.  Coehorn  mortars,  two  8-inch 
siege  mortars,  two  lo-inch  siege  mortars,  one  13-inch  sea 
coast  mortar.  Field  Artillery — three  Catling  guns,  long  bar- 
rel, cahber  45. 

No  continuous  records  exist  to  show  the  dates  of  the 
various  buildings  on  the  Island  except  the  fortifications.  The 
best  available  data  at  present  indicate  the  building  dates  about 
as  follows : 

The  Administration  Building — date  unknown — probably 
about  1840. 

The  Building,  till  lately  used  as  the  Post  Headquarters, 
is  believed  to  be  of  some  antiquity.  As  stated  elsewhere, 
the  old  name  for  it  was  "The  Governor's  House,"  which,  if 
historically  correct,  w'ould  take  it  back  to  1775  at  the  least. 
As  late  as  1872  and  later  it  was  used  for  the  main  guard. 

The  Old  Commissary  Building,  1845,  ^""^  the  Command- 
ing General's  Quarters,  1840. 

Numbers  2-5  inclusive.  General's  Row,  1855-7. 

Other  quarters  in  General's  Row,  1875. 

Colonels'  Row — Various  periods — 1875,  1878,  1888  and 
1905. 

Old  Hospital — Main  wing,   1840. 

Regimental  (Brick)  Row,  1889  to  1908  (various  dates). 

New  Hospital,  1880. 

South  Battery,  181 2. 

A  tradition  that  this  Battery  was  erected  in  1834  arose 
probably  from  the  fact  that  a  second  story  was  added  to  it  in 

134 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

that  year.  This  upper  story  was  in  red  brick.  The  lower 
story  was  painted  yellow,  and  for  several  years  this  striking 
artistic  effect  prevailed.  At  some  period,  perhaps  the  same, 
the  outer  walls  of  the  Battery,  built  of  the  Newark  sand- 
stone used  for  Castle  Williams,  were  treated  to  a  similar 
wash,  which  is  happily  disappearing  under  the  kindly  influ- 
ence of  Nature. 

Second  addition  to  South  Battery  1904. 

GOVERNORS  ISLAND  CLUB 

South  Battery 

Since  the  first  edition  of  this  book  the  Author  has  found  a 
Club  publication,  evidently  the  only  one  extant,  which  throws 
light  upon  its  early  history.    The  following  extract  is  given. 

On  July  1st,  1878,  the  Headquarters  of  the  Military  Divi- 
sion of  the  Atlantic  and  the  Department  of  the  East  were 
transferred  from  the  Army  Building,  New  York,  to  Govern- 
ors Island,  Major  General  Winfield  Scott  Hancock  Com- 
manding. 

On  June  20,  1879,  by  direction  of  General  Hancock,  an 
Officers'  Mess  was  established  in  the  South  Battery,  with  the 
customary  rules  and  regulations,  the  buildings  being  in  charge 
of  the  Post  Quartermaster. 

The  Steward  of  the  Mess  was  John  Rolf. 

The  date  of  the  foundation  of  the  Governors  Island  Club  is 
unknown,  but  that  it  was  an  outgrowth  of  the  Officers'  Mess 
appears  reasonably  certain  from  the  discovery  of  a  printed 
book  of  Constitution,  By-Laws  and  Membership  of  the 
Governors  Island  Club  which  records  the  proceedings  of  the 
Club  at  a  meeting  held  on  February  3rd,  1881,  at  which  the 
Constitution  and  By  Laws  were  adopted. 

The  Club  at  this  date  had  a  membership  of  31,  with  the 
following  officers : 

133 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

President 
General  James  B.  Fry. 

Vice-Presidents 

Colonel  John  Mendenhall. 

Colonel  Thomas  G.  Baylor. 

Treasurer 
Colonel  Charles  T.  Larned. 

Secretary 
Lieutenant  John  L.  Chamberlain. 

The  Presidents  of  the  Club,  with  no  records  between  i88i 
and  1904,  have  been  as  follows: 

Presidents  of  the  Club  January 

General  James  B.  Fry 1881 

Colonel  Henry  O.  S.  Heistand 1904 

Colonel  Frederick  A.  Smith 1905 

Major  General  James  F.  Wade 1906 

Colonel  Henry  O.  S.  Heistand 1907 

Colonel  Henry  O.  S.  Heistand 1908 

Colonel  Henry  O.  S.  Heistand  | 

Major.  General  Leonard  Wood^    

Major  General  Leonard  Wood 19 10 

Colonel  Hobart  K.  Bailey 1911 

Colonel  Stephen  C.  Mills^  ^ 

Colonel  George  R.  Cecil   \ 
Colonel  William  A.  Mann| 

Colonel  William  M.  Black^ ^  ^ 

Colonel  John  B.  Bellinger 1914 

Colonel  John  B.  Bellinger 191 5 

Colonel  John  B.  Bellinger 19 16 

Colonel  Orin  B.  Mitcham 1917 

Colonel  John  C.  F.  Tilson 1918  —  1919 

Colonel  John  C.  F.  Tilson 1920 

Brig-General  William  Weigel 192 1 

Major  General  Roljert  Lee  Bullard 1921  —  1922 

136 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  Officers  of  the  Club,  1922 

President Major  General  Robert  Lee  Bullard 

1st  Vice-President Colonel  Francis  E.  Lacey,  Jr. 

2d  Vice-President Major  Allen  W.  Gullion 

Secretary  and  Treasurer ....  Chaplain  Edmund  Banks  Smith 
Asst.  Secretary  and  Treasurer Captain  Paul  Knight 

A  marble  tablet  over  the  sally  Port  marked  South 
Battery,  1812  has  recently  been  erected,  restoring  the  old 
name  of  the  Fort  (v.  p.  81)  which,  with  a  lantern  of 
mediaeval  form  and  a  battery  of  Civil  War  field  pieces 
parked  in  front,  gives  the  Clubhouse  a  touch  of  its  ancient 
military  appearance. 

As  late  as  1854  there  were  50  Music  Boys,  25  Drummers 
and  25  Fifers  under  charge  of  Sergeant  (later  Lieutenant) 
Michael  Moore.  He  had  quarters  in  what  is  now  the  Club 
billiard  room.  The  barrack  room  on  the  ground  floor  had 
windows  on  the  parade  and  the  court.  It  was  heated  by 
a  coal  grate  and  tallow  candles  furnished  light  for  reading. 

Previous  to  that  time  at  various  periods  dances  had  been 
given  in  the  old  Administration  Building  (west  end),  the 
old  Hospital,  and  in  the  (present)  Warrant  Officers'  quarters. 
The  wooden  wings  of  the  Hospital  of  1840  were  built  in  1862 
and  used  as  a  General  Hospital  during  the  Civil  War.  The 
School  House  and  adjoining  frame  buildings  are  reminders 
of  this  War  Hospital. 

Circular  No.  4  (1870)  mentions  a  married  quarters  near 
the  old  brick  Hospital,  and  states  that  the  Post  Cemetery 
referred  to  elsewhere  consisted  of  about  half  an  acre. 

An  engineer  map  of  1857  shows  a  pump  in  the  courtyard 
of  the  Castle  just  15  feet  south  of  the  centre. 

As  late  as  1870  there  was  in  the  courtyard  of  the  Castle  a 
reminder  of  the  Civil  War  time  in  a  long  wooden  building 

137 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

used  as  a  mess  hall  and  kitchen  for  recruits.  The  upper  tiers 
of  the  Castle  were  used  as  recruit  quarters  during  the  re- 
cruiting period,  1852- 1878.  The  wooden  building  in  the 
Castle  was  60  x  30  feet  and  had  a  roof-pitch  of  8  feet.  It 
contained  three  small  store-rooms  and  was  furnished  with 
two  doors  and  ten  windows. 

A  reference  to  this  is  found  under  date  of  Deer.  7th.  1871, 
when  permission  was  asked  to  remove  the  powder  from  the 
magazines  in  the  Castle  and  to  store  it  in  the  Post  magazines 
on  the  ground  that  "the  fires  kept  in  a  wooden  building  used 
as  a  mess  room  and  kitchen  renders  the  opening  and  closing 
of  the  magazines  dangerous." 

In  spite  of  the  apprehension  expressed  in  1871,  the  powder 
remained  till  after  the  arrival  of  General  Hancock,  when  it 
was  removed  from  the  Island  except  that  which  is  stored  in 
the  Garrison  magazine  on  the  west  glacis  of  Fort  Jay. 

This  magazine  in  the  midst  of  traffic,  passed  monthly  by 
thousands,  is  probably  not  visited  annually  by  a  half  dozen, 
and  yet  it  is,  next  to  the  Castle,  the  oldest  building  in  undis- 
turbed condition  on  Governors  Island,  and  is  worth,  for  that 
reason,  a  few  words  of  description. 

This  little  magazine  on  the  west  glacis  slope  is  a  stone  build- 
ing with  a  stone  dove-tailed  roof  and  double  walls,  the  interior 
ones  of  brick  with  ventilating  apertures  arranged  to  avoid 
the  outside  windows.  The  interior  sheathing  of  the  magazine 
is  one  inch  white  pine.  On  the  north  side  is  a  ventilating  win- 
dow which  at  some  period  was  bricked  up  and  cemented.  The 
wooden  inside  door  is  furnished  with  fine  copper  bolts.  The 
interior  ceiling  is  of  heavy  rough-hewn  oak  beams.  On  these 
beams  are  painted  in  black  a  number  of  names  and  initials  of 
an  early  period,  showing  the  magazine  to  date  from  at  least 
the  period  of  the  Castle,  1807-11,  and  probably  earlier,  as  the 
Castle  had  its  own  magazines  and  Fort  Jay  was  (in  part)  of 

138 


HISTORY   OF   G0VE;RN0RS   ISLAND 

earlier  construction.  These  names  are  painted  in  bold  char- 
acters and  some  of  them  are  of  artistic  excellence.  Among 
them  are 

W  H   1812 

C  M  1812 

C  F  Morton  181 5 

This  magazine  is  at  present  used  for  the  storage  of  saluting 
powder.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  fence  of  venerable  appearance 
which  is  believed  to  have  done  picket  duty  long  enough  to 
entitle  it  to  honourable  mention.  The  warning  sign  over  the 
door,  though  frequently  renewed,  also  shows  evidence  of 
antiquity  in  the  lettering  employed. 

Other  powder  magazines  are  to  be  found  in  Fort  Jay  in  the 
north  side  of  the  barrack  square.  These  magazines  are  on  the 
right  and  left  of  the  enclosed  area  under  the  ramparts.  They 
have  copper  ventilators  and  barred  entrances.  In  magazines 
Nos.  2  and  6  are  inside  wooden  doors,  grated,  with  small 
wooden  trap  doors  near  the  top  secured  by  a  button  on  the 
outside.  These  have  no  value  for  purposes  of  ventilation  and 
it  is  believed  that  at  one  period  the  magazines  were  used  for 
prisoners  and  that  the  traps  were  for  passing  in  food. 

During  the  Civil  War  a  double  guarded  cell  was  maintained 
in  what  is  now  the  basement  of  Quadrangle,  East.  This 
consisted  of  an  outside  cell  in  which  the  guard  was  locked  in 
and  an  inner  one  for  the  prisoner.  One  or  more  celebrated 
Confederate  officers  were  imprisoned  here  before  execution, 
including  Captain  John-  G.  Beall,  a  Naval  officer,  who  with 
two  others,  captured  the  S.S.  "Philo  Parsons"  and  S.S. 
"Island  Queen."    His  execution  took  place  February  24,  1865. 


139 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


THE  OLD  POST  HEADQUARTERS  BUILDING 

Although  no  date  can  be  assigned  for  the  erection  of  the 
building,  till  lately  used  as  Post  Headquarters,  now  as  a  resi- 
dence, it  seems  clear  to  the  author,  as  well  as  to  others,  that 
it  is  at  least  one  of  the  oldest  buildings  on  Governors  Island. 

A  careful  examination  of  the  building  indicates  that  it  was 
built  for  a  dwelling-house  and  used  for  a  guard  house  or 
headquarters  building.  The  rose  panel  decorations  over  the 
doorways  and  windows  and  the  expensive  character  of  the 
base  mouldings  carry  out  this  theory. 

This  was  possibly  the  family  house  mentioned  in  the  British 
orders,  page  46,  but  it  was  undoubtedly  the  guard  house  and 
headquarters  of  the  period  of  1812.*  The  lower  part  was 
at  one  time  used  for  the  main  guard  house,  as  the  heavy  iron  _ 
bars  of  the  ancient  four-sided  pattern  clearly  indicate,  as  well 
as  their  considerable  corrosion  at  the  lower  ends  due  to  the 
settling  of  moisture.  One  bar  has  been  replaced  by  a  modern 
round  bar,  revealing  a  probable  escape,  and  one  window  is 
now  entirely  without  bars,  but  the  square  sockets  are  plainly 
to  be  seen  in  the  upper  sill.  The  building  itself  is  cross  or  T 
shape  and  additions  of  frame  construction  have  been  added 
at  some  unknown  period.  In  one  of  these,  at  the  N.  W. 
angle,  may  be  seen  the  sill  of  an  exterior  door.  This  shows 
signs  of  long  use  in  the  wearing  away  of  the  surface.  In  the 
lower  part  of  the  house  the  walls  have  been  ceiled  with  wood 
and  plaster  and  in  one  place  part  of  the  old  foundation 
appears,  disclosing  a  red  sandstone  similar  to  that  used  in 

*  Previous  to  1840,  when  the  present  Comd'g  Genl's  Quarters  were 
built,  tlic  Post  Cmd'r  lived  with  his  family  in  this  building.  It  was  as 
late  as  that  period  called  "The  Governor's  House." 

140 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Castle  Williams,  but  for  the  most  part  the  foundations,  like 
the  walls  throughout,  are  of  brick. 

The  lower  room  now  used  as  a  furnace  room  contains 
within  it  an  interior  apartment  with  remains  indicating  a 
door  in  the  thickness  of  the  wall.  This  is  lighted  by  a  very 
small,  deep-set  window  with  double  iron  bars  of  the  old 
pattern.  It  is  more  than  reasonable  to  believe  this  was  the 
Black  Hole  referred  to  on  page  8i. 

In  addition  to  the  fine  rose  mouldings  on  the  first  floor,  a 
fire  place  and  mantel  of  elaborate  construction  and  the 
original  arrangement  of  doors,  both  exterior  and  interior, 
lead  to  the  theory  held  by  some  that  although  undoubtedly 
the  guard  house  of  1812,  it  was  perhaps  used  as  a  dwelling 
house  at  an  earlier  period  as  its  common  name  of  "Govern- 
or's House"  in  1830  would  seem  to  imply.  An  interior  stair 
case  was  removed  a  few  years  ago  and  an  outside  stairway 
was  erected,  connecting  the  Sergeant-Major's  office  below 
with  the  Commanding  Officer's  above. 

An  historical  account  of  Governors  Island  would  not  be 
complete  without  reference  to  its  oldest  inhabitant,  to  whom 
the  author  of  this  work  wishes  to  express  his  thanks  for  many 
notes  of  historical  interest. 

Sergeant  David  Robertson,  Hospital  Steward,  U.  S.  A., 
entered  the  Army  in  July,  1854,  and  served  continuously  in 
the  Hospital  Corps  for  64  years. 

Such  length  of  service  is  almost  unprecedented,  and  when  it 
is  combined  with  unbroken  duty  in  one  Garrison  it  deserves 
more  than  passing  mention.  In  addition  to  his  length  of 
service.  Doctor  Robertson  endeared  himself  to  thousands  of 
•officers  and  their  families  by  his  kindly  nature  as  well  as  by 
his  professional  skill  of  high  order  which  was  unsparingly 
given  to  all  who  needed  his  care,  commanding  Generals,  offi- 
cers of  every   rank,   soldiers   and   civilians   for  over   sixty 

141 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

years  of  service,  during  three  epidemics  of  cholera  and  two 
of  yellow  fever,  besides  the  innumerable  cases,  surgical  and 
medical,  that  were  submitted  to  his  skillful  treatment. 

While  Doctor  Robertson  was  retired  with  full  pay  he 
remained  on  active  duty  almost  to  the  time  of  his  death  in 
1918. 

Doctor  Robertson  and  his  wife  lived  for  many  years  in  their 
cottage  near  the  Chapel  in  the  midst  of  an  old-fashioned 
garden  that  was  one  of  the  sights  of  Governors  Island.  Mrs. 
Robertson  was  the  daughter  of  Lieutenant  Michael  Moore, 
who  was  born  July  4,  1800,  and  enlisted  in  181 2  for  the  War. 
He  retired  in  1871  as  ist  Lieutenant  after  many  years  of 
meritorious  service  on  Governors  Island  and  died  at  the  age 
of  97  years. 

Thus  these  two  officers  in  one  family  represent  in  their 
own  persons  123  years  of  active  service. 

The  following  Order  was  issued  for  the  funeral  of  Ser- 
geant Robertson : 

Headquarters  Eastern  Department, 

Governors  Island,  N.  Y. 

August  15,  191 8. 

The  funeral  service  for  the  late  David  Robertson, 
Sergeant  first  class.  Medical  Department,  will  be  held 
at  St.  Cornelius'  Chapel,  Governors  Island,  on  Friday, 
August  i6th,  at  2  p.  m. 

-1*  -K  •K  •!*  V  •(»      . 

In  view  of  the  exceptionally  long  service  of  Sergeant 
Robertson  of  over  64  years  on  Governors  Island,  and 
his  high  personal  character,  it  is  thought  that  persons 
in  the  Garrison  generally  would  be  glad  to  have  this  op- 
portunity of  paying  their  respects  to  his  memory. 

W.  A.  Simpson, 

Colonel,  Retired,  Adjutant. 

142 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

DR.  DAVID  ROBERTSON 
A  Tribute  from  One  Who  Loved  Him 

On  Aug.  13,  19 1 8,  there  passed  from  this  world  the  spirit 
of  one  who  had  been  for  so  many  years  a  figure  of  the  life 
of  Governors  Island  that  the  community  was  for  the  moment 
startled  as  if  the  impossible  had  taken  place.  Generations  of 
men  and  women  had  come  and  gone  and  that  skilful  attend- 
ant, that  kindly  friend,  remained  to  link  the  old  and  new. 
Who  that  ever  knew  David  Robertson  can  forget  him? 
He  was  not  like  the  rest.  He  was  not  the  average  man. 
He  seemed  to  be  somewhat  apart,  yet  no  man  who  ever  lived 
was  more  interested  in  his  fellow  men  and  few  were  more 
ready  and  able  to  do  their  part  in  making  the  world  better  for 
his  life  in  it.  The  secret  of  Dr.  Robertson's  long  life  and  the 
esteem  of  his  fellows  was  the  same,  a  serene  and  sane  belief 
in  his  duty  to  God  and  man. 

Born  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  in  March,  1833,  David 
Robertson  came  as  a  young  man  to  this  country  and  in  the 
spring  of  1854  enlisted  in  the  Army.  And  here  all  these  long 
years  he  has  been,  a  faithful,  loyal,  efficient  officer,  who  not  only 
never  failed  in  any  duty,  however  small,  but  who  never  failed 
to  do  more  than  his  duty.  During  the  years  of  the  Civil  War 
he  was  on  many  occasions  the  druggist,  doctor  and  surgeon, 
all  in  one.  The  first  year  of  his  service  on  Governors  Island 
saw  the  cholera  epidemic;  this  was  followed  by  plagues  of  the 
same  disease  in  1857,  1866,  1867  and  1868.  The  hospital 
was  overcrowded  with  the  sick  and  dying  and  all  his  skill  and 
strength  and  patience  were  called  into  requisition  as  the 
number  of  physicians  was  never  equal  to  the  needs  of  the  situ- 
ation. Many  patients  were  treated  in  the  houses  in  which 
they  were  when  they  were  seized.  In  1856  came  the  yellow 
fever  and  in  1870  the  great  visitation  of  the  yellow  fever  in 
which  there  were  172  cases  in  one  month,  when  there  were 
thirty-three  cases  in  one  set  of  quarters  out  of  forty  and  the 
island  was  quarantined  against  itself.  Dr.  Robertson  often 
spoke  to  the  writer  of  these  times,  but  with  characteristic 

143 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

modesty  failed  to  mention  the  self-sacrificing  part  he  took  in 
the  work  of  caring  for  the  victims.  Such  things  were  to  him 
but  incidental  to  the  discharge  of  duty. 

In  the  early  days  of  Dr.  Robertson's  life  on  Governors 
Island  came  the  romance  of  his  life.  Michael  Moore  was  in 
command  of  the  "Music  Boys,"  as  they  were  called  in  those 
days.  They  were  stationed  in  the  South  Battery,  and  what 
more  natural  than  that  David  Robertson  and  i\Iary  Moore 
should  meet,  and  meeting,  marry?  Thus  began  the  long  and 
happy  married  life  in  the  little  cottage  by  the  chapel,  whose 
garden  still  speaks  of  the  skilful  care  of  ?^Irs.  Robertson  and 
from  which  came  every  morning  the  bit  of  bright  geranium 
that  decorated  the  doctor's  buttonhole  as  he  went  off  to  the 
dispensary.  His  father-in-law,  born  on  July  4.  1800,  must 
have  had  the  feeling  of  the  day  in  his  blood,  for  he  entered  the 
Army  in  181 2  for  the  war  and,  retiring  in  1878,  lived  to  the 
good  old  age  of  97.  Thus  these  two  persons  represented  in 
one  family  123  years  of  active  service  in  the  Army  of  the 
United  States. 

But  it  is  not  only  for  length  of  service  that  Dr.  Robertson 
stands  conspicuous.  His  private  life  was  as  exemplary  as  his 
military  career  was  flawless.  There  was  a  certain  fineness 
about  him  that  defied  analysis.  All  who  came  in  contact  with 
him  felt  it.  The  reserve  was  that  of  a  man  who  was  sure  of 
himself.  The  modesty  was  that  of  a  man  who  had  not  one 
grain  of  overconfidence.  The  result  was  a  combination  as 
rare  as  it  is  beautiful.  He  was  filled  with  the  spirit  of  charity. 
He  never  spoke  ill ;  he  ever  spoke  well,  of  his  fellows.  With- 
out a  suggestion  of  cant,  he  was  religious.  He  did  not  wear 
his  religion  on  his  sleeve,  but  it  was  always  where  it  could 
be  drawn  as  a  trusty  sword.  During  the  long  weeks  of  illness 
when  the  writer  ministered  to  him,  his  real  delight  in  the 
prayers  and  acts  of  devotion  was  touching  in  its  simplicity 
and  reality. 

So  passed  away  a  soul  of  fineness  after  length  of  days 
and  active  military  service  seldom,  if  ever.  e(]uallc(l  in  the 
military  annals  of  this  or  any  other  land.  But  best  of  all  is 
the  service  and  record  he  has  sent  before  him,  more  precious 

144 


t> 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

and  important  even  than  that  he  has  left  behind.  It  should 
be  an  inspiration  to  men  of  every  age  and  rank  to  look  upon 
the  record  of  David  Robertson,  soldier  and  Christian  gentle- 
man, and  to  realize  that  our  country,  our  Army  and  the  world 
at  large,  in  peace  or  war,  are  the  better  for  his  life  and  ex- 
ample. 

Requiescat  in  pace.  -r^  ti  o     „ 

^  '  Edmund  Banks  Smith, 

Chaplain,  Governors  Island. 

The  little  group  of  Lombardy  poplar  trees  still  left  which 
remained  (1917)  at  the  edge  of  the  Arsenal  Yard  is  a 
reminder  of  a  forest  that  adorned  Manhattan  and  Governors 
Island  100  years  ago  and  should  be  viewed  with  the  respect 
due  to  the  survivors  of  an  ancient  race.  The  poplar  was 
largely  used  in  the  i8th  century  for  the  beautifying  of  the 
city.  Guernsey  tells  us  in  his  book,  "New  York  in  the  War 
of  1812,"  that  Broadway  was  literally  lined  with  them  on 
both  sides  from  Bowling  Green  to  Sailors'  Snug  Harbour 
(loth  Street)  and  that  they  were  found  along  the  streets 
and  lanes  of  the  City  and  in  the  door-yards  of  the  homes. 
Paintings  of  that  period  show  Governors  Island  with  a  lordly 
crown  of  stately  poplars  from  its  Eastern  to  its  Western  end, 
notably  the  "Wall  View,"  by  Wm.  C.  Wall.  1823.  Another 
view  by  Wall,  painted  in  1820,  shows  Castle  Williams  with 
the  surf  breaking  at  its  base  and  a  sentry  in  uniform 
of  the  1812  period.  Drawings  and  paintings  of  Governors 
Island  by  Chapman,  Wood,  Howell,  Stubbs,  Stevenson 
and  Bachman  in  the  30's  and  40's  also  show  the  long 
regimental  line  of  poplars  now  shrunken  to  the  dimensions 
of  a  squad,  but  well  worth  notice,  both  for  their  digni- 
fied beauty  and  for  the  story  they  tell  us  of  the  days  when 
old  New  York  was  young.  John  W.  Francis  in  his  "Old 
New  York"  says  the  Lombardy  Poplar  was  found  in  great 
abundance  in  1800- 1805  and  that  it  was  introduced  in  New 

145 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

York  under  direction  of  Louis  XVI,  who  sent  out  the  elder 
Michaux  from  the  Jardin  des  Plantes  accompanied  by  a 
gardener,  Paul  Sanier,  who  spread  the  poplar  everywhere. 

NAME  OF  THE  MAIN  FORT 

The  old  name  of  Jay,  which  had  been  discontinued  about 
the  year  1810,  was  restored  in  1904,  according  to  the  follow- 
ing order : 

General  Orders.  War  Department, 

No.  18  Washington,  January  25,  1904. 

The  following  order  is  published  to  the  Army  for  the 
information  and  guidance  of  all  concerned — 

War  Department, 
Washington,  January  20,  1904. 
The  fortification  on  Governor's  Island,  New  York 
Harbor,  partly  built  1794- 1795,  enlarged  and  completed 
1798-1801,  and  partly  rebuilt  1806-1808,  now  known  as 
Fort  Columbus,  is  hereby  restored  to  its  original  name 
of  Fort  Jay;  and  the  said  fortification  and  the  Military 
post  located  on  the  said  Island  will  hereafter  be  known 
and  designated  as  Fort  Jay. 

Elihu  Root, 

Secretary  of  War. 

The  change  of  name  from  Jay  to  Columbus  is  supposed  to 
have  been  due  to  Jay's  temporary  unpopularity  with  the  Re- 
publican party,  which  was  not  satisfied  with  the  Jay  Treaty 
with  England  ( 1794).  The  treaty,  however,  proved  its  value, 
and  Jay  was  twice  elected  Governor  of  New  York  after  its 
adoption. 

The  restoration  of  the  original  name  is  a  graceful  recog- 
nition of  the  splendid  character  of  the  man  of  whom  Daniel 
Webster  said:  "When  the  spotless  ermine  of  the  judicial 
robe  fell  on  John  Jay  it  touched  nothing  less  spotless  than 
itself." 

146 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


THE  MILITARY  SERVICE  INSTITUTION  OF  THE 

UNITED  STATES 

This  Organization  was  incorporated  according  to  the  laws 
of  New  York  State  in  June,  1884,  for  "literary,  historical 
and  scientific  purposes  and  by  the  establishment  of  a  museum, 
publishing  of  essays,  etc.,  to  promote  the  military  interests 
of  the  United  States". 

There  were  28  Directors,  including  General  Winfield  Scott 
Hancock,  President,  and  Genl.  Theophilus  F.  Rodenbough, 
Secretary. 

Among  others  in  the  list  of  Directors  were  James  B.  Fry, 
Wesley  Merritt,  Asa  Bird  Gardner,  Alexander  S.  Webb, 
John  H.  Janeway,  William  D.  Whipple,  John  Hamilton,  J. 
Estcourt  Sawyer,  Alexander  J.  Perry,  Robert  Catlin  and 
George  F.  Price. 

The  most  important  works  of  the  Institution  were  the 
establishment  of  the  museum  and  the  publication  of  the 
Military  Service  Institution  Journal.    The  Journal,  under  the 


147 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

able  direction  of  General  Rodenbough,  Secretary  and  Editor 
for  many  years,  and  later  of  General  Allison,  Secretary  and 
Editor,  was  a  publication  of  high  order  and  importance  and 
occupied  a  position  of  great  usefulness  to  the  Army  at  large. 
With  the  establishment  of  the  various  Service  Journals, 
the  death  of  General  Allison,  and  the  increased  cost  of  publi- 


^K«.ridarL',J    1^ft.-moij.5   (lK-a.r^er>  "A^inChesteTr " 


cation  it  was  found  necessary  to  discontinue  its  publication, 
although  the  Reeve  Memorial  Prize  Essay  continued  for  a 
time  to  be  offered,  and  may  still  continue,  if  thought  ad- 
visable. 

The  Museum  for  many  years  occupied  part  of  the  Clock 
Tower  Building  (shown  in  accompanying  picture),  where 
the  office  of  the  Secretary  was  also  situated.     In  191 7  the 

148 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

space  was  required  by  the  Chief  of  Ordnance  and  the  exhibits 
were  stored.  In  1922  the  Smithsonian  Institution  appHed 
for  the  collection  of  military  objects  and  the  Council  trans- 
ferred the  collection  to  that  Institution  on  the  ground  that  it 
would  be  of  value  to  a  vast  number  of  people,  whereas  its 
usefulness  here  was  greatly  limited. 

Winchester 

Among  the  many  objects  thus  transferred  the  most  pictur- 
esque was  the  famous  charger,  Winchester.  At  the  time  of 
the  transfer  of  the  Museum  to  Washington  it  was  realized 
that  Winchester  had  been  on  Governors  Island  for  44  years 
and  it  seemed  appropriate  to  observe  his  departure  with  some 
ceremony.  The  Secretary  of  the  Institution  therefore  ar- 
ranged a  function  for  the  "cheering"  of  the  gallant  steed 
and  the  various  Grand  Army  Posts  of  New  York  were 
invited  to  assemble  to  give  him  a  farewell.  Large  numbers 
came  to  the  ceremony,  which  was  held  in  the  open  near  the 
Boat  landing,  among  them  being  many  who  had  enlisted  on 
Governors  Island  in  1861  and  several  who  were  in  the 
Battle  of  Cedar  Creek.  An  extract  from  the  programme 
follows : 

Music — "Civil  War  Melodies".  .22nd  Infantry  Band,  Ft.  Jay 
Welcome  to  the  Grand  Army 

Major  General  Robert  Lee  Bullard,  U.  S.  A. 

Commanding  2nd  Corps  Area 

Address  by  a  Comrade  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. 
Recitation — "Sheridan  Twenty  Miles  Away" 

by  Master  Bertram  Isaacs, 

Grandson   of  the  Department  Commander,  G.  A.  R. 

Cheering  of  Winchester 
Music  .....  22nd  Infantry  Band 

149 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Winchester  was  presented  to  General  Sheridan  by  the 
Officers  of  the  Second  Michigan  Cavalry  at  Rienzi,  Missis- 
sippi, in  1862. 

He  was  of  Black  Hawk  blood  and  was  foaled  in  i85<). 
General  Sheridan  said  of  him  that  he  was  an  animal  of  im- 
mense strength  and  endurance,  always  holding  his  head  high 
and  of  great  quickness  in  movement.  In  spite  of  his  power 
and  speed  he  could  be  controlled  at  any  time  by  a  firm  hand 
and  a  few  words.  Under  fire  he  was  as  cool  and  quiet  as  any 
of  the  General's  old  soldiers.  As  a  horse  for  field  service  it  is 
believed  his  superior  never  existed. 

Winchester  took  part  in  fifty  battles  and  engagements 
from  1862  to  1865  and  died  in  1878.  He  was  mounted  at 
Ward's  in  Rochester,  and  brought  to  Governors  Island  in  that 
year,  where  he  has  been  ever  since  in  the  museum  of  the 
Military  Service  Institution  of  the  United  States.  He  is  now 
about  to  be  transferred  by  the  Military  Service  Institution  to 
the  Smithsonian  Institution  in  Washington. 

General  Sheridan's  famous  ride  on  Winchester  was 
made  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek  on  October  19,  1864. 

The  officers  of  the  Military  Service  Institution  ( 1922)  are : 

President,  Maj.-Gen.  Leonard  Wood,  U.  S.  A. 

Resident  Vice-Presidents : 
Brig.-Gkn.  George  T.  Bartlett,  U.  S.  A. 
Maj.-Gen.  John  F.  O'Ryan,  N.  G.  N.  Y. 
Secretary  &  Treasurer, 
Chaplain  Edmund  Banks  Smith,  O.  R.  C. 

Buttermilk  Channel 

Its  Original  Name 

The  question  of  the  early  condition  of  what  we  now  call 
Buttermilk  Channel  has  been  for  many  years  an  interesting 

150 


HISTORY    OP   governors"  ISLAND 

one.  References  to  the  matter  appear  in  the  Peter  Jay  Origi- 
nal Letters  (New  York  Historical  Society).  Peter  Jay  was 
the  Father  of  John  Jay.    The  date  of  these  letters  was  about 

1750. 

"Marabie  Bevois  says  she  is  aged  84  years  (near  85),  was 
born  in  New  York.  It's  last  May  63  years  since  she  came  to 
live  at  Brookland  (Brooklyn).  Heard  Jeromus  Remsen's 
mother  say  that  there  was  only  a  small  creek  between  Nutten 
Island  and  the  shoar  and  that  a  squah  carried  her  sister  over 
it  in  a  tub." 


"Joost  Van  Brunt  aged  yj  years  and  upwards,  born  and 
lived  at  New  Utrecht — says  he  was  about  seven  years  old 
when  the  Dutch  came  to  take  New  York — says  that  a  great 
deal  of  the  land's  washed  away  against  Nutten  Island  and 
it  went  further  out  than  now  but  can't  say  how  much. 
Jeromus  Remsen  aged  yy  years  says  that  he  heard  his  mother 
say  she  was  carried  off  Nutten  Island  by  a  squah  and  that  it 
was  all  sedge  and  meadow,  only  a  creek  between  Nutten 
Island  and  Long  Island;  it  is  now  116  or  117  years  since  his 
mother  was  born;  has  often  heard  people  say  that  there  was 
but  a  small  creek  between  Nutten  and  Long  Island." 

This  story  must  be  considered  in  connection  with  the  fact 
that  there  was  a  small  creek  in  the  rear  of  Red  Hook,  just 
opposite  the  Island,  which  may  easily  have  been  mistaken  for 
the  Channel.  All  surveys  from  1 765  to  1 784  show  from  3  to 
7  fathoms  of  water  in  the  Channel.  7^   tu- 

"A  Mr.  Van  Alstine,  upwards  of  eighty  years  of  age  in 
1786,  said  he  remembered  when  Governors  Island  was  sepa- 
rated from  Long  Island  only  by  a  narrow  creek,  which  was 
crossed  upon  logs  raised  above  the  high  tide." 

151 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  Minutes  of  the  Common  Council  of  New  York  furnish 
this  early  reference  to  Nutten  (later,  Governors)  Island, 
which  indicate  that  at  that  time  it  was  so  slightly  separated 
from  the  main  land  as  to  serve  as  a  point  of  reference  for  the 
main  shore  line.  Otherwise  the  Red  Hook  line  would  have 
been  mentioned. 

Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  for  "enquiring  into  the 
Ancient  Rights  and  Privileges  of  this  Citty" — was  read  in  the 
words  following  (vizt.) 

New  York,  Jan.  Ye  24th  1698  (9). 

We  have  viewed  And  Examined  the  Records  of  the  Citty 
and  doe  find  *  *  *  that  all  that  Land  from  Ye  Eastern 
End  of  Nutten  Island  for  half  A  Mile  deep  to  Ye  West  point 
of  Ye  Wallabout,"  &c.— 

In  the  Colonial  Documents  (London)  we  read  of  this 
period  that  in  1691 

"Governor  Sloughter  arrived  in  New  York  in  the  Ship 
"Arch  Angell"  in  March,  the  troop  ship  having  arrived  two 
months  before.  The  officers  of  the  two  foot  companies  de- 
manded entrance  into  their  Matyes  Fort  of  the  Cittey  but 
were  denied  entrance  by  Jacob  Leisler  with  the  Stile  of  Lieu* 
Governour.      *     *     * 

****** 

The  S^  Leisler  fortified  himself  in  yc  Fort  and  had  16  or 
17  bullets  in  ye  fire  Red  hott  to  fire  yc  towne  withall. 

The  Noyze  and  Shouting  yt  followed  upon  ye  Gov's  land- 
ing (being  come  in  ye  pinnas  by  the  back  side  of  Nutten 
Island)  made  the  hearts  of  his  followers  to  divide,"  &c. 

Nearly  one  hundred  years  later  General  Scott  wrote  as 
follows  to  John  Jay,  son  of  the  Peter  Jay  whose  Original 
Letters  are  above  quoted  relative   to   Buttermilk   Channel : 

152 


HISTORY    OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

New  York,  6th  September,  1776. 

^  3|C  3|C  3|6  SfC  3|C 

We  are  liable  every  moment  to  have  the  communication 
between  us  and  the  City  cut  ofif  by  the  entrance  of  frigates 
into  the  East  River  between  Governor's  Island  and  Long 
Island,  vi^hich  General  McDougall  assured  us  from  his 
own  nautical  experience  was  very  feasible. 

Later,  same  date. 

T*  I*  'r  f*  "t^  'p 

The  Garrison  was  drawn  ofif  in  the  afternoon  after  our 
retreat  under  fire  of  shipping  which  are  now  drawn  up 
just  behind  Governor's  Island  and  the  fire  of  some  cannon 
from  the  Long  Island  Shore,  but  with  no  other  loss  than 
that  of  one  man's  arm. 

Watson's  Annals  state  that  "an  old  gentleman  in  1828  re- 
members that  as  late  as  1786  the  Buttermilk  Channel  was 
deemed  unsafe  for  boats  to  pass  through  it  because  of  numer- 
ous rocks  there.  It  was,  however,  secured  for  a  boat  channel 
through  which  boats  with  milk  and  buttermilk  usually  made 
their  passage.  My  mother  told  me  that  when  she  first  entered 
New  York  Harbour  (then  a  girl)  she  was  surprised  to  see 
all  the  market  boats  in  the  East  River  rowed  by  robust 
women,  their  heads  fitted  with  close  caps,  two  women  to  an 
oar  carry  Long  Island  buttermilk  to  market. 

The  name  of  this  important  Channel  is  undoubtedly  derived 
from  the  use  of  it  by  the  market  women. 

Also  the  same  authority  states  of  Nutten  Eylandt  that  it 
was  formerly  nearly  joined  to  Long  Island  by  a  low  inter- 
vening morass  and  a  small  dividing  creek  and  that  cattle 
passed  to  and  fro  at  low  water. 

Mr.  James  Le  Baron  Willard  of  Brooklyn  writes  to  the 
author :    "I  do  not  like  to  give  up  the  idea  which  I  have  held 

153 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

as  a  truth  since  childhood  of  'crossing  the  channel'  told  by 
those  whose  word  was  well  worthy  of  credence.  It  may  be 
the  tales  were  but  traditions  so  often  told  that  they  became 
accepted  as  facts.  However,  I  know  that  our  Bay  tides  were 
very  much  lower  formerly  than  now." 

There  seems  to  be  strong  consensus  of  opinion  among 
residents  of  Brooklyn  Borough  that  the  Channel  was  fordable 
at  an  early  period.  Mr.  Charles  B.  Pearson,  a  gentleman  in 
his  90th  year,  writes  to  Mr.  Willard  on  the  subject.  He  says 
his  father  in  law  John  Davidson  was  born  in  1802  and  was 
a  Trinity  Church  school  boy  and  chorister  and  that  he  had 
often  told  the  writer  of  wading  across  from  Brooklyn  to  Gov- 
ernors Island  through  mud  and  over  the  stones — that  he 
used  to  skate  from  the  Battery  on  the  Hudson  to  Canal  Street, 
the  main  inlet,  and  along  the  inlet  to  Broadway  and  under  a 
stone  bridge  to  the  present  Tombs  prison.  In  those  days 
Water  Street,  as  its  name  indicates,  was  on  the  East  River 
front.  Now,  there  are  two  streets  east  of  it,  thus  narrowing 
the  River  there  as  the  Atlantic  Docks  later  did  east  of  the 
Island  and  deepening  the  channel  to  a  considerable  extent. 
The  excavations  for  the  Atlantic  Docks  were  made  in  18^2 
and  at  a  depth  of  20  feet  many  roots  of  trees  were  found  and 
beneath  them  peat  was  discovered  in  considerable  quantities. 

Other  old  residents  of  Brooklyn  recall  that  the  tides  in  the 
Buttermilk  Channel  were  formerly  less  high  than  now ;  and 
that  the  Red  Hook  flats  were  not  filled  in  until  after  1846. 
These  facts,  coupled  with  the  building  of  the  Atlantic  Docks 
opposite  the  Island  and  subsequent  dredging  of  the  Channel, 
would  easily  explain  the  present  navigable  conditions  of  the 
Channel.  A  resident  of  Governors  Island  told  the  author 
that  she  walked  half  across  the  Channel  in  1849.  This  was 
with  the  use  of  stepping  stones  at  low  tide. 

154 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

It  is  difficult  to  reconcile  the  foregoing  statements  in  toto 
without  fuller  knowledge  of  conditions.  For  example,  we 
have  the  statement  that  in  (about)  1630  it  was  a  small  creek 
and  that  a  "squah  carried  a  child  over  in  a  tub" ;  that  it  was 
crossed  in  1710  by  "logs  raised  above  the  high  tide";  that  the 
"pinnas  of  the  'Arch  Angell'  came  to  the  back  side  in  1691"; 
that  the  British  frigates  (or  shipping  of  war)  were  drawn  up 
"just  behind  Governors  Island"  in  1776;  that  it  was  "full  of 
rocks  and  unsafe"  in  1786;  that  John  Davidson,  born  in  1802, 
"waded  across  as  a  boy,"  probably  in  1812,  and  that  the  "fort 
to  guard  the  pass  at  Buttermilk  Channel  was  completed  and 
equipped"  in  March,  1813. 

From  the  building  of  the  fort  in  1813  the  obvious  conclusion 
is  that  it  was  navigable  for  ships  of  war,  as  Genl.  Scott  inti- 
mates in  his  letter  to  John  Jay  in  1776,  and  yet  statements  of 
most  undoubted  veracity  are  made  from  1630  to  1812  that 
it  was  a  sedgy  creek,  a  fordable  stream,  a  crossing  for  cattle, 
a  wading  place  for  children. 

Probably  the  safest  conclusion  in  absence  of  positive  infor- 
mation is  that  local  conditions  varied  with  the  years  and  that 
it  may  have  been  possible  to  cross  it  occasionally  under  ex- 
ceptional conditions  of  wind  and  tide,  as  the  falls  of  Niagara 
under  certain  conditions  of  ice  formation  may  be  crossed  by 
the  daring  adventurer.  Of  one  thing  we  may  be  certain,  viz, 
that  the  sedge  marsh  of  the  17th  century  is  today  a  highly 
important  artery  in  the  commercial  system  of  the  Port  of 
New  York  with  a  channel  1000  feet  wide  at  the  narrowest 
point  and  a  depth  of  30  feet.  The  Navy  Department  sends 
large  battleships  now  through  Buttermilk  Channel,  in  striking 
contrast  with  the  wooden  Dreadnaughts  of  1776,  and  it  is 
planned  to  increase  the  Channel  to  a  depth  of  35  feet,  as  it 
afifords  a  more  direct  route  from  the  Navy  Yard  to  the  sea. 
The  encircling  sea  wall  was  built  at  different  periods  in  the 

15s 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

development  of  the  Island — the  S.  W.  portion  in  1866,  and 
the  X.  portion  from  the  Castle  to  the  Arsenal  at  a  later 
period  by  F.  Hopkinson  Smith,  Engineer,  Artist  and  Author. 

South  Battery 

We  learn  from  the  Tompkins  papers  that  a  fort  existed  at 
an  early  period  to  defend  Buttermilk  Channel  (p.  88).  A 
plan  of  the  fortifications  of  New  York  in  1814  in  Lossing's 
Field  Book  of  the  Revolution  shows  a  considerable  work  at 
the  South  Battery.  This  corresponds  closely  with  this  order 
and  with  the  fact  that  repairs  were  ordered  for  the  South 
Battery  in  1832. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Governors  Island  Ferry  in  Four  Centuries. 
1 600- 1 900 

It  is  a  long  cry  from  the  Indian  canoe  of  prehistoric  times 
and  the  colonial  barge  of  Wouter  Van  Twiller  in  1637  to  the 
"General  Otis"  of  to-day;  from  the  Pagganck  Island  of  the 
aborigines  and  the  Nutten  Island  of  the  Dutch  and  the  Gov- 
ernors Island  as  it  began  to  be  called  in  the  time  of  Charles  II 


of  England,  to  the  Corps  Area  and  Regimental  Headquarters 
of  the  United  States  Army  of  1922.  With  little  imagination 
one  can  see  the  gliding  canoe  of  the  red  men  putting  out  from 
its  wooded  shores,  and  at  a  later  period  the  thick-prowed  yawl 
of  the  Dutch  occupation,  succeeded  again  after  1674  by  the 
stately  barge  of  the  English  Colonial  Governors. 

How  busy  our  little  port  must  have  been  when  the  famous 
sawmill  was  built  in  1639,  and  again  when  it  was  burned  in 
1647  "to  save  the  Iron!"  How  our  shores  must  have  re- 
sounded to  the  tramp  of  visiting  thousands  during  the  days  of 
the  racetrack,  in  the  time  it  was  used  as  quarantine  for  immi- 

157 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

grants  by  the  act  of  June  13,  17 10,  and  subsequent  periods, 
especially  when  the  ten  thousand  Palatines  were  detained  here 
before  being  sent  to  populate  Columbia  and  Greene  Counties! 
What  stirring  scenes  during  the  erection  of  Castle  Williams, 
with  landing  of  stores  and  supplies,  and  the  feverish  building 
of  the  original  Fort  Jay,  when  professors  and  students  of 
Columbia  College  came  down  with  their  shovels  and  picks  to 
help  the  workmen  complete  the  fort ! 

How  the  English  Governors  Hardy,  De  Lancey,  Colden, 
jMoore,  Dunmore  and  Tryon  crossed  over  in  the  daj'S  when 
our  Island  served  as  their  official  residence,  the  "Smiling 
Garden  of  the  Sovereigns  of  the  Province,"  as  an  old  historian 
calls  it,  we  do  not  know,  but  one  can  imagine  the  dignified 
barges  of  that  period,  with  their  passengers  of  official  import- 
ance and  the  pleasant  social  activities  which  they  served  much 
as  our  Quartermaster  transports  do  to-day. 

In  1732  appeared  in  Parker's  "Post  Boy"  the  following 
advertisement : 

"On  Monday  the  2nd  of  October  next  will  be  exposed  for 
sale  at  Publick  Vendue  a  large  fine  barge  with  Awning  and 
Damask  Curtains,  two  sets  of  oars,  sails  and  everything  that 
is  necessary  for  her.  She  now  lies  in  the  Dock  and  did  belong 
to  the  late  Governor  Montgomerie." 

The  following  orders  throw  light  upon  the  subject  of  later 
English  Colonial  transportation: 

Common  Council, 

City  Hall,  Nov.  8,  1756. 

No.  (1346)  Warrant  issued. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Recorder  issue  his  warrant  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  City  to  pay  the  further  sum  of  twenty- 
eight  pound,  sixteen  shillings,  and  five  pence  in  full  for 
the  Government  Tax  *  *  *  of  the  ferry  (to  Gov- 
ernor's Island). 

158 


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HISTORY    OF    G0VE;RN0RS    ISLAND 

The  latest  use  of  the  term  "Nutten"  vice  "Governor's" 
the  author  has  found  contained  in  the  MSS.  Minutes  of 
the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  New  York  under 
date  of  May  5,  1794,  in  which  John  Hillyer  is  authorized 
to  keep  the  Ferry  to  Nutten  Island  for  one  year  and  is 
enjoined  to  provide  "good  boats."  He  is  allowed  to  "re- 
ceive three  pence  for  each  passenger  and  to  carry  fatigue 
parties  free." 

From  MSS.  Minutes  of  Common  Council. 

Monday  the  22nd  June,  1795. 

The  Committee  on  the  subject  of  a  ferry  from  this 
City  to  Governor's  Island  made  a  verbal  report  on  the 
subject — 

Whereupon  it  was  ordered  that  it  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  for  directing  public  works  on  Governor's 
Island,  to  make  such  arrangements  for  the  establishing 
of  a  safe  and  convenient  ferry  from  this  City  to  said 
Island  as  they  shall  judge  most  proper,  and  that  the 
keeper  of  the  said  ferry  be  allowed  to  demand  and 
receive  from  each  person  (except  such  as  shall  be  em- 
ployed at  the  Public  Works  and  the  Troops  of  the 
Garrison  there)  six  pence  for  going  and  six  pence  for 
returning. 

The  earliest  known  mention  of  steam  service  is  found  in 
the  Commercial  Advertiser  of  August  9th,  1844. 

"The  pretty  little  iron  Steamer  'Ida'  is  to  be  put  upon  the 
route  between  the  Battery  and  Governors  Island  early  next 
week.  We  understand  the  'Ida'  has  been  invited  upon  this 
route  by  Officers  of  the  Garrison  (who  will  grant  every  op- 
portunity to  view  the  Fortifications).  *  *  *  'j^j^g  ^g. 
lightful  band  will  afford  no  slight  attraction  by  its  perform- 
ances. 

2nd  Arty,  Colonel  James  Bankhead 


Commanding." 


K.N. 


159 


HISTORY    OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Coming  down  to  modern  times  we  are  reminded  of  tlie  Civil 
War  period  when  the  Castle  was  filled  to  overflowing  with 
prisoners  and  when  at  one  time  se\en  regiments  were  en- 
camped within  our  limited  borders.  One  who  was  living 
here  at  the  time  describes  the  scenes  in  those  days  as  being 
stirring  in  the  extreme.  The  Wisconsin  regiment  marched 
on  the  Island  1,200  strong  and  made  a  particularly  fine  ap- 
pearance, and  the  scene  at  Retreat  from  the  parapets  of  Fort 
Jay,  with  seven  regiments,  seven  bands  and  seven  separate 
functions  going  on  at  once  is  described  as  having  been  a 
thrilling  spectacle. 

About  ten  years  before  the  Civil  War  the  recruiting  depot 
was  transferred  from  Governors  to  Bedlow's  Island.  This 
w^as  before  the  advent  of  the  steam  ferry  and  the  difficulties 
encountered  by  all  who  had  occasion  to  visit  either  Post  may 
be  gathered  from  the  recorded  mention  of  the  movements  to 
and  fro  of  the  Reverend  John  McVickar,  D.  D.,  Chaplain  of 
Governors  Island  from  1844  to  1862,  as  found  in  Dr.  Dix's 
Plistory.  He  says  (p.  9  of  his  book)  :  "Transit  was  effected 
by  open  barges.  In  all  seasons  of  the  year,  in  stormy  or  fair 
weather,  on  Sundays  and  when  required  on  week  days,  the 
venerable  Chaplain  might  be  seen  making  his  journeys  from 
the  Battery  to  the  two  Islands,  visiting  the  permanent  gar- 
rison at  Governors  Island  and  the  recruits  at  Bedlow's;  and 
in  the  most  bitter  winter's  cold,  sitting  in  the  stern  sheets, 
wrapped  in  his  military  cloak,  as  the  oarsmen  pushed  their 
way  through  drift  ice  in  the  bay  and  against  the  strong  tides 
ofif  the  Battery."  This  transfer  of  recruits  to  Bedlow's 
Island  was  only  temporary. 

During  Dr.  McVickar's  Chaplaincy  there  was  no  steam  ser- 
vice between  the  Island  and  the  City.  All  communication 
was  by  barge  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  the  Government  land- 
ing being  at  Castle  Garden,  now  the  Aquarium  in  New  York 

160 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

City,  which  at  that  time  was  connected  with  the  Battery  by 
a  bridge-way. 

Such  adverse  circumstances  were  met  daily  by  the  members 
of  the  Garrison  in  the  winter  months. 

A  lady  who  made  her  home  with  an  officer's  family  on 
Governors  Island  remembers  distinctly  the  barge  in  which  she 
used  to  travel  to  and  from  the  City  in  visiting  the  Island 
sevent3'-seven  A^ears  ago.  It  was  similar  in  general  appearance 
to  the  launches  now  used  by  the  Navy  and  had  a  close-fitting 
canvas  cover. 

Great  were  the  difficulties  of  passage  for  those  on  pleasure 
bent  in  cold  and  storm  and  darkness,  but,  as  she  recalls, 
greater  still  was  the  difficulty  of  remembering  the  counter- 
sign without  which  no  one  was  admitted  within  the  frowning 
draw-bridge  gate  of  Fort  Jay,  where  in  those  days  all  the 
officers'  families  resided. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  Barge  Office  at  the  Battery 
recalls  by  its  title  the  fact  that  from  the  earliest  days  of  the 
occupation  of  Governors  Island  by  the  Colonial  Governors 
in  the  17th  Century  to  the  Civil  War  of  the  19th  Century 
transportation  with  the  mainland  was  effected  by  small  boats 
and  barges. 

The  first  place  of  which  we  have  record  as  a  point  of  de- 
parture from  the  Battery  was  a  landing  just  south  of  the 
Castle,  later  Castle  Garden,  now  the  municipal  Aciuariurn. 
This  was  in  1854  and  probably  had  served  for  very  many 
years,  as  the  Castle  was  until  the  Civil  War  period  separated 
from  the  mainland  by  water  and  the  land  on  which  the  pres- 
ent Barge  Office  now  stands  was  not  made  until  about  the 
same  period. 

There  were  at  this  time  two  barges  in  service,  similar  to  the 
one  in  the  illustration,  one  the  Commanding  Officer's,  and  one 
for  general  service.     These  boats  carried  twelve  passengers 

161 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

each  and  were  manned  by  a  crew  of  six  rowers  in  naval  uni- 
form, with  a  non-commissioned  officer  in  command  as  cox- 
swain. They  made  three  trips  a  day  each,  the  last  one  being 
at  5  p.  M.  in  summer  and  4  in  winter.  The  landing-place  on 
Governors  Island  was  at  a  stairway  just  north  of  the  present 
pier. 

The  Ordnance  maintained  its  own  boat,  rowed  by  two  men. 
There  were  in  addition  to  these  official  barges  a  fleet  of  eight 
or  ten  small  boats  plying  to  Pacific  Street.  Brooklyn,  which 
were  found  convenient  for  persons  going  to  market.  The 
fare  on  these  boats  was  I2j4  cents  a  trip.  The  late  Captain 
James  Feeney  began  his  career  in  this  service  about  the  year 
i860,  and  these  private  boats  continued  in  service  some  time 
after  the  steamboat  era. 

During  the  contract  period  of  transportation  the  price  of 
passage  was  fifteen  cents,  return  for  twenty-five  cents.  School 
children  received  commutation  rates  of  ten  cents  a  day,  and  a 
late  theatre  boat  cost  fifteen  dollars. 

A  striking  contrast  is  presented  in  the  following  transporta- 
tion orders  to  the  way  such  matters  are  arranged  now. 

Headquarters  Military  Division  of  the  Atlantic, 
General:  February  12.  1879. 

A  number  of  Officers  desire  to  attend  a  reception  at 
the  Army  and  Navy  Club  to  night  and  on  application  of 
the  Post  Commander  in  their  behalf  I  have  in  your  name 
directed  the  "Atlantic"  to  make  a  trip  tonight,  leaving 
the  Battery  at  i  o'clock  vice  12. 

Yours  truly, 

(signed)  James  B.  Fry 
To  Major  Genl  Hancock 

Very  well.    This  is  the  way  the  thing  can  be  done, 
(signed)  Winfield  Scott  Hancock 
To  General  J.  B.  Fry. 

162 


< 
c     o 

liJ       oi 

z      ~ 

UJ 

O 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  family  of  the  late  Reverend  E.  H.  C.  Goodwin,  Chap- 
lain from  1 87 1 -1 904,  have  in  their  possession  an  original 
order  signed  by  General  Hancock,  as  follows  : 

Headqrs  Military  Division  of  thf  Atlantic 

AND 

Department  of  the  East. 

Governor's  Island,  N.  Y. 
To  the  A.  A.  G.—  October  30,  1883. 

or  Captain  Tug  "Atlantic" — 

Let  there  be  an  extra  boat  coming  this  way  for  Rev. 
Mr.  Goodwin  and  party  at  11  :30  p.  m.  to-night. 

W.  Scott  Hancock, 

Major  Gen.,  U.  S.  A. 
(From  Battery  at  11 :30  p.  m.) 

It  was  in  1861  that  the  steam  vessels  were  first  engaged 
regularly  in  the  ferry  service.  The  first  boat  was  the  "Gen- 
eral Scott."  This  was  succeeded  by  the  "General  McClellan," 
and  that  by  the  "Governor's  Island."  These  were  small  ve-> 
sels  of  the  tugboat  type.  In  1878  the  "Atlantic,"  a  larger 
boat  of  the  same  type,  was  employed.  The  "Atlantic"  was 
built  for  the  Cunard  Line  to  serve  in  Boston  Harbour. 
"A  soldier  informed  me  it  was  purchased  by  the  Government 
for  about  the  value  of  a  condenser."  K.  N. 

At  this  time  Headquarters  of  the  Department  were  estab- 
lished on  the  Island,  and  with  this  boat,  or  possibly  earlier 
with  the  "Governor's  Island,"  a  Government  contract  was 
made  and  persons  using  them  were  not  required  to  pay 
ferriage.  At  first,  and  for  some  time,  the  steamers  ran  only 
till  dark.  This  service  has  been  gradually  improved  till  the 
present  admirable  schedule  of  a  boat  every  half  hour  from 
an  early  hour  till  i  a.  m.  has  been  reached. 

The  "Madden,"  a  small  tugboat,  owned  by  Sergeant  Gub- 
bins  and  a  man  named  McKitchie,  ran  from  1870  to  about 

103 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

1873,  when  its  owners  sold  it  and  bought  the  "Governor's 
Island,"  which  was  used  for  about  five  years.  The  fare  on 
this  boat  was  twenty-five  cents  the  round  trip. 

In  1898  a  great  improvement  was  inaugurated  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  "General  Hancock,"  a  vessel  on  ferrj-boat  lines, 
which  has  done  good  work  for  fifteen  years. 

The  "Col.  Wikof"  served  as  an  auxiliary  boat  for  about 
twelve  years,  and  there  have  been  various  launches  of  late 
years  for  the  use  of  the  Department  Commander,  the  present 
one,  the  "Lieutenant  Ward  Cheney,"  being  a  beautiful  speci- 
men of  marine  architecttire.  In  1910  the  "General  Otis" 
took  the  place  of  the  "General  Hancock"  as  the  transport 
between  Governors  Island  and  the  Battery.  This  boat,  with 
its  larger  cabins,  more  ample  decks  and  accommodations  for 
horses,  carriages,  wagons  and  motor  cars,  gives  better  service 
than  has  ever  been  enjoyed  before,  and  in  the  fourth  century 
of  the  history  of  the  Governors  Island  ferry  points  to  the 
future  of  the  enlarged  Post  and  populous  Garrison  that  is 
to  be.  The  official  figures  given  by  the  Chief  Quartermaster's 
Office  for  transportation  of  passengers  between  Governors 
Island  and  the  Battery  on  the  Q.  M.  Steamers  "General 
Hancock"  and  "General  Otis"  for  the  month  of  April,  1913, 
state  the  number  as  45,999.  This  is  considered  an  average 
month. 

A  new  landing  has  been  made  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Island  near  the  Quartermaster  Storehouse.  With  this  in 
service  the  time  of  transit  will  be  reduced. 

The  accompanying  illustration  of  the  barge  is  the  only  one 
known  to  exist,  and  is  taken  from  a  photograph  belonging  to 
the  late  Captain  James  Feeney,  who  served,  with  great  faith- 
fulness, forty-nine  years,  boy  and  man,  in  the  transportation 
of  the  Governors  Island  Garrison  to  and  from  the  City. 

164 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Captain  Wm.  Gray  Loring  served  in  the  Government 
transportation  service  for  over  40  years,  of  which  4  were 
spent  in  Boston  Harbour  and  the  rest  in  the  Governors  Island 
service.  There  are  few  officers  of  long  service  in  the  Army 
who  did  not  know  Capt.  Loring  and  all  who  know  him  recall 
with  pleasure  his  genial  character,  his  fund  of  deep-sea  yarns 
and  his  attachment  to  the  friends  he  has  made  on  his  countless 
trips  across  the  salt  highway. 

Captains  Moore  and  Fagan  have  been  in  the  ferry  service 
for  many  years  and  are  highly  esteemed  for  their  faithful 
and  efficient  work,  the  boat  now  running  18  hours  out  of 
the  24,  and  having  an  annual  mileage  of  about  27,000  miles. 

During  the  years  19 17  and  19 18  the  regular  ferry  service 
was  augmented  by  two  large  boats  plying  to  the  north  dock. 
These  boats  carried  in  the  peak  of  their  service  300,000 
passengers  a  month,  counting  return,  and  a  vast  number  of 
trucks  to  supplement  the  railway  traffic. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
The  New  York  ArsEnai, 

In  Vol.  I  of  "Ordnance  Reports"  Colonel  Decius  Wads- 
worth  of  the  Ordnance  in  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of 
War  dated  Nov.  13,  181 2,  relative  to  the  duties  of  the  Ord- 
nance Department  as  a  "new  Establishment"  and  of  needed 
stations  says : 

"The  present  establishment  at  New  York  may  be  continued 
on  a  reduced  scale  as  subordinate  for  the  purpose  of  supplying 
the  seaboard  with  such  articles  as  a  laboratory  can  most  con- 
veniently furnish." 

During  the  War  of  181 2  Governors  Island  was  the  scene 
of  great  military  activity,  but  whether  the  laboratory  men- 
tioned above  was  in  New  York  City  or  on  the  Island  cannot 
be  definitely  determined  from  the  records  here. 

Colonel  Wadsworth  in  another  letter  to  the  Secretary  of 
War  dated  February  8,  181 6,  says:     *     *     * 

"The  laboratory  near  New  York  will  suffice  for  supplying 
Maritime  posts."  *  *  *  Whether  this  refers  to  a  place 
on  Governors  Island  cannot  be  determined  from  the  context. 
It  is  possible  the  reference  is  to  one  of  the  Arsenals  in  the 
City. 

In  June,  1812,  as  we  learn  from  Guernsey,  there  was  a 
United  States  Arsenal  on  Bridge  Street,  back  of  Government 
House,  near  the  Battery.  This  was  of  brick  and  was  con- 
sidered a  good  work  for  the  locality.  There  was  also  a  three- 
story  brick  magazine  near  it. 

The  United  States  also  held  a  plot  of  2  acres  on  the  Hudson 
River  at  the  foot  of  West  12th  Street  on  which  were  a  maga- 
zine, arsenal  and  laboratory.    The  laboratory  was  surrounded 

167 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

by  a  brick  wall  9  feet  high.  Fort  Gansevoort  was  erected 
later  upon  this  site. 

Another  U.  S.  Arsenal  was  at  the  junction  of  the  old  Bos- 
ton Road  and  Middle  Road  (now  Madison  Square),  in  the 
grounds  laid  out  for  the  Parade  in  181 1.  This  Arsenal  was 
built  by  State  appropriation  with  the  expectation  that  the 
United  States  would  repay.  The  Parade  contained  238  7/10 
acres  and  extended  from  23d  to  34th  Street  and  from  7th 
Avenue  to  3rd  Avenue.  It  was  used  for  military  exercises 
and  for  a  place  to  assemble  the  forces  destined  to  guard  the 
City. 

In  April,  1814,  it  was  reduced  to  89  i/io  acres;  later  to 
less  than  7  acres,  the  present  Madison  Square. 

On  page  68,  Vol.  I  of  "Ordnance  Reports,"  referred  to 
above,  will  be  found  a  "Statement  of  the  battering  cannon, 
mortars,  howitzers,  shots,  shells  and  carriages  not  in  service, 
deposited  in  the  several  arsenals  and  depots  in  the  United 
States."  A  statement  is  given  there  of  the  number  of  each 
stored  at  "Arsenal,  New  York  City."  This  is  under  date  of 
January  29,  1822,  and  refers,  no  doubt,  to  an  ordnance  storage 
yard  on  Governors  Island. 

The  Arsenal  may  be  said  to  have  been  definitely  started 
when  buildings  were  commenced  here  in  1833  under  an  ap- 
propriation made  by  Congress,  the  work  being  carried  out  by 
an  Engineer  Officer,  Captain  J.  L.  Smith,  Captain  of  Engi- 
neers, under  direction  of  the  Chief  of  Ordnance.  The  build- 
ings were  paid  for  by  the  Ordnance  Department. 

The  Commanding  Officer's  quarters  and  quarters  No.  2 
were  erected  in  1839  and  enlarged  in  1852.  Quarters  No.  3 
were  built  in  1884.  The  old  office  was  built  in  1853,  the  new 
(present)  office  in  i860.  The  seven  other  buildings  were 
erected  between  1835  and  1904.  A  fire  engine  was  maintained 
in  service  on  the  Arsenal  Reservation  from  1867  till  1910, 

168 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

when  salt  water  mains  were  installed  for  the  entire  Island. 
An  old  Engineer  map  of  the  Arsenal  marks  a  pump  at  a  point 
near  the  S.  E.  corner  of  the  store-house  connected  with  the 
commanding  officer's  quarters.  This  probably  represents  the 
spring  house  described  on  p.  129. 

In  1878  the  Military  Service  Institution  was  formed,  with 
General  Winfield  Scott  Hancock  as  its  head.  The  Institution 
was  located  on  Governors  Island,  where  it  established  its 
headquarters,  with  library  and  museum.  For  many  years  it 
was  housed  in  the  building  known  as  the  "Clock  Tower 
Building,"  in  which  the  late  Brig.-Gen.  T.  F.  Rodenbough, 
Secretary  and  Editor,  and  the  late  Brig.-Gen.  James  N. 
Allison,  Secretary  and  Editor,  had  their  offices. 

The  area  of  the  Arsenal  is  about  6^  acres. 

A  list  of  commanding  officers,  from  1831  to  the  present 
day,  follows : 

Store  Keepers  and  Commanding  Officers 
New  York  Arsenal 


NAME  OF  OFFICERS 

Samuel  Perkins 

S.  H.  Weber 

Samuel  Perkins 
J.  A.  J.  Bradford 
Geo.  D.  Ramsey.  . 
L.  L.  Van  Kleeck 

J.  F.  Lee 

Geo.  H.  Talcott  . 
I.  A.  D'Laguel.  . 
L.  L.  Van  KleEck 
W.  A.  Thornton  . 
Geo.  H.  Talcott  . 
W.  A.  Thornton  , 
R.  H.  K.  WhitelEy 


RANK  ASSUMED  COMMAND 

M.  S.  Keeper Dec.  31,  1831 

M.  S.  Keeper Nov.  11,  1834 

M.  S.  Keeper April  5,  1835 

Capt.  O.  D Sept.  15,  1835 

Capt.  O.  D Oct.  I,  1836 

,M.  S.  Keeper Nov.  9,  1836 

,  Lt.  Cps.  Engrs. . .  .  Oct.  11,  1837 

Lt.  O.  D Oct.  —  1838 

.Capt.  O.  D Mar.  27,  1839 

.M.  S.  Keeper May  21,  1840 

.  Capt.  O.   D July  2,  1840 

.Bvt.  Lt.-Col.  O.  D..July  31  1849 

.  Bvt.  Major  O.  D. ..  Oct.  1,1851 

.  Capt.  O.  D Nov.  20,  1854 

169 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 


NAME  OF  OFFICERS  RANK 

W.  A.  Thornton Bvt.  Major  O. 

R.  H.  K.  Whiteley.  .  .  .  Capt.  O.  D. .  .  . 

R.  A.  Wainvvright Major  O.  D. . . 

Silas  Crispin Capt.  O.  D. .  . 

A.  R.  BuFFiNGTON Capt.  O.  D. .  . 

W.  A.  Thornton Col.  O.  D. .  .  . 

C.  Bryant Lieut.  O.  D. .  . 

T.  T.  S.  Laidley Maj.  O.  D. .  .  . 

Silas  Crispin Lt.-Col.  O.  D. . 

T.  G.  Baylor Maj.  O.  D. . .  . 

G.  W.  McKee Maj.  O.  D. .  .  . 

T.  G.  Baylor Col.  O.  D 

Chas.  Shaler  Capt.  O.  D. .  .  . 

A.  Mordecai Lt.-Col.  O.  D. . 

J.  McAllister Col.  O.  D 

A.  Mordecai Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 

Chas.  ShalEr Capt.  O.   D.  . 

A.  Mordecai Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 

J.  E.  Greer Capt.  O.  D. .  . 

A.  Mordecai Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 

G.  CoMLY Maj.  O.  D... 

Frank  Heath  Capt.  O.  D. .  . 

F.  H.  Phipps Maj.  O.  D. .  .  . 

Tohn  G.  Butler Maj.  O.  D. .  .  . 

J.  W.  Reilly Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 

J.  E.  Greer Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 

R.  BiRNiE Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 

O.  B.  MiTCHAM Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 

Selby  H.  Frank Maj.  O.  D. . .  . 

GiBERT Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 

Selby  H.  Frank Lt.-Col.  O.  D. 


ASSUMED   COM 

D. .  .  May  3 1 , 

.  .  .  .May  14. 

....Oct.  23, 

Apr.  14, 

.  .  .  .July  12, 

.  .  .  .June  19, 

....  Apr.  6, 

May  15. 

.  .  .  .Apr.  10. 

.  .  .  .June  10, 

July  1 7, 

....Oct.  3, 

May  15, 

.  .  .  .  May  25. 

....July  I. 

.  .  .  .  Dec.  30, 

.  .  . .  Mar.  28, 

.  .  .  .Apr.  16, 

.  .  .  .Dec.  II, 

.  .  .  .Dec.  17. 

.  .  .  .  Feby.  9, 

....Apr.  19. 

May  18, 

.  .  .  .June  10, 

....Sept.  13. 

....Aug.  I, 

....Sept.  19. 

Oct.  I, 

to  April  I, 

.  .to  April  29, 

.to  Sept.  15, 

.to  Mav  I, 


I  AND 

858 
861 
862 
864 
864 
865 

866 
866 
871 
876 
883 
883 
885 
886 
886 
886 
887 
887 
889 
889 
892 

894 
894 
899 
900 

903 
907 
907 
919 
919 
919 
920 


The  New  York  Arsenal  has  a  charm  and  interest  all  its 
own,  with  its  well-situated  quarters,  its  groups  of  offices,  its 
trees  and  walks  and  splendid  views  of  the  City,  its  towering 
buildings,  the  harbour,  rivers  and  bridges.     The  records  of 


170 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Store  Keepers  and  Commanding  Officers  herewith  given  for 
a  period  of  89  years  are  exact  and  the  author  is  indebted  for 
these  and  for  the  dates  of  the  buildings  to  Colonel  Orin  B. 
Mitcham,  Commanding  Officer,  Ordnance  Department,  from 
1907-1919. 

In  Feb.  1920,  instructions  were  received  from  the  War 
Department  to  move  all  Ordnance  material  from  New  York 
Arsenal  to  Raritan  Arsenal,  Metuchen,  N.  J.,  and  to  turn 
over  the  buildings  and  grounds  of  New  York  Arsenal  to  the 
Commanding  General,  2nd  Corps  Area.  In  accordance  with 
these  instructions,  about  200  carloads  of  Ordnance  material 
were  moved  from  New  York  Arsenal  to  Raritan  Arsenal. 
Most  of  the  old  personnel  of  New  York  Arsenal  were  also 
transferred  to  Raritan  Arsenal  and  on  May  ist  the  Ordnance 
Department  abandoned  this  station  and  turned  over  the 
buildings  and  grounds  to  the  Commanding  General,  2nd 
Corps  Area.  Lieut. -Colonel  Frank  was  in  command  of  New 
York  Arsenal  at  the  time  these  instructions  were  received, 
and  he  directed  its  abandonment  and  the  movement  to  Rari- 
tan Arsenal;  also  the  consolidation  of  the  two  arsenals, 
Raritan  and  New  York  Arsenal,  assuming  command  of 
Raritan  Arsenal. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
RkIvIGious  Work  and  Influence 

The  earliest  mention  of  religious  ministration  on  Gover- 
nors Island,  beyond  the  occasional  services  of  the  Church  of 
England  held  for  Colonel  Prescott's  Regiment  in  1776,  is  in 
connection  with  the  Reverend  John  McVickar,  D.  D.,  Chap- 
lain of  Governors  Island  from  1844-1862. 

Dr.  McVickar  was  a  resident  of  the  City  of  New  York,  a 
man  of  culture  and  distinction  in  literary  and  church  circles, 
and  at  that  time  professor  of  moral  and  intellectual  philos- 
ophy, belles-lettres,  political  economy,  and  the  evidences  of 
natural  and  revealed  religion  in  Columbia  College,  a  position 
which  he  filled  with  dignity  and  success.  As  he  had  already 
reached  the  age  of  fifty-five,  his  friends  were  fearful  of  the 
consequences  of  adding  to  his  other  duties  those  of  an  army 
chaplain;  nay,  strenuous  efforts  were  made  to  persuade  him 
to  decline  the  ofifer.  But  remonstrance  was  in  vain;  Dr. 
McVickar  was  a  devoted  churchman  and  deeply  interested 
in  mission  work,  and  had  felt  for  a  long  time  a  warm  and 
special  interest  in  soldiers  and  all  their  concerns.  He  there- 
fore promptly  accepted  the  proffer  of  the  Government,  and, 
as  the  call  came  during  vacation  at  the  college,  he  entered 
on  his  duties  without  the  loss  of  a  day.  For  eighteen  years 
(1844-62)  he  held  that  position,  serving  not  merely  with 
efficiency,  but  with  what  might  be  called  an  enthusiastic 
devotion  to  the  work.  It  is  recorded  of  him  by  his  biographer 
that  he  declared  that  he  would  resign  his  professorship  in 
Columbia  rather  than  the  chaplaincy  with  its  hard  work 
among  the  soldiers  and  its  pay  of  $700  a  year.  He  was 
obliged,  however,  to  resign  in  1862,  at  the  age  of  seventy- five. 

173 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

There  was  no  chapel  when  Dr.  Mc\^ickar  came  to  Gover- 
nors Island  and  he  held  services  in  fine  weather  in  a  little 
grove  of  trees  near  the  present  Colonel's  Row.  At  other 
times  he  used  one  of  the  rooms  of  the  Post  Headquarters, 
which  proved  inconvenient  to  all  concerned.  He  made 
requisitions  for  a  chapel  building,  but  without  success. 

He  therefore  set  about  building  one  himself,  and  with 
generous  contributions  from  his  own  family  and  of  friends 
whom  he  interested  in  the  work  and  with  substantial  aid 
from  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  which  at  that  early  date 
evinced  an  interest  it  has  never  ceased  to  hold,  he  gathered 
funds  sufficient   for  the  purpose. 

The  Commander-in-Chief,  General  Scott,  was  strongly  in- 
terested in  the  plans  and  gave  them  the  benefit  of  his  influence 
for  the  good  of  the  churchless  garrison.  The  War  with 
Mexico  broke  out  during  the  period  of  the  Chapel's  erection, 
but  it  helped  rather  than  hindered  the  work,  and  the  little 
building,  which  Chaplain  McVickar  describes  as  "having  the 
two  elements  of  humility  and  reverence,"  was  soon  completed 
and  was  consecrated  by  the  Rt.  Reverend  Wm.  H.  De  Lancey 
on  April  19,  1847. 

Chaplain  McVickar  served  with  great  faithfulness  from 
1844  to  1862,  at  which  time  the  War.  Department  insisted  that 
the  Chaplain,  owing  to  war  conditions,  should  reside  on 
Governors  Island.  This  was  impossible  in  that  day  of  limited 
transportation,  and  so  with  great  regret  he  resigned  his  posi- 
tion and  devoted  the  remainder  of  his  active  life  to  his  Col- 
lege duties. 

Chaplain  McVickar  was  born  in  New  York  the  loth  of 
August,  1787,  and  died  in  1868,  six  years  after  giving  up  his 
much-loved  duties  on  Governors  Island. 

Inasmuch  as  he  was  the  founder  of  religious  work  and  in- 
fluence here,  it  may  not  be  deemed  amiss  to  mention  some 

174 


Cl)e  iSattle  JFIags,  ^^ainttnss  anti  iWemorials 

m.tl^c 

Ci)apel  of  ^atnt  Cornelius  t  jje  Centurion 

(Koijcvuorjei  'IsilauD,  Bfrn  povU  i^arbour 


}^ubli)Sl)tD  b^  tl^e  jMatv  l^aisljington  Colonial  Cl^aptct: 
of  t^c  Citt  of  000)  |9orft 

jiaugljtersi  of  t!)c  9lmcrican  i^rtjolution 
in  commemoration  of  tlje 

Blessing  anti  S^nstallation  of  t\)t 

ivesimental  Colour  of  t\)t  iling's  Kopl  ^atfle  Corps  60t\i  jfoot 

formerly 

Cfje  Eoj>al  Slmerican  3^egiment 
OOtl)  jToot 


9)anuari?  oti^,  i92i 


■i  t& 


Altar  Window 
In  Memr.rv  ol 
Bvt.  Major  General  I'auiel  Butt 


Pieta,  Mexico.  1848 

Spaiit^li  Painting 

(rom  the  collection  o( 

Colonel  Thomas  Stanifonl 


_/ 


High  Altar  Window 


In  Memory  of  Major  General  ami  Mrs    Wiiifield  Scott  Hanct 


t 


Guidon 

Civil  War 

Battery  D,  2nd  Arty. 


Guidon 
1st  K.  Y.  Vols. 
Chiiruhusco,  1S46 

Guidon 

Civil  War 
Battery  A,  5th  Arty. 


bpani^li.  l.ijU 

In  Memory  of 

Brig.  General  James  NichoIIs  Allison 


* 

Bronzi 


Cannon 


nerlv  The  Royal 
erica.i  Regiment 
60th  Foot 


Guidon 

lat  N.  Y.  Vols. 
Cliuruhnsco.  1 846 


The  Virgin  of  Guadeloupe 

(rom  the  I'alace  of  the  Montezuma 

September,  1847 

Lieut.  Colonel  Harvey  Brown 


Dungeon  of 
Joan  of  Arc 
Rouen, 1431 


Si  I 


The  Hoff 
Memorial  Font 


National  Ensign 

Civil  War  iVrmd 

Guidon:  Civil  War 

Secretary  of  War:  Boat  Flag 

Regimental:  8th  Infantry 

Spanish:  San  Francisco  de  Malaban 

l.Uh  Inla^Ury,  l&^H 

National  Ensign:  8th  Infantry 

Battle  of  the  Corean  Forts 


Regimental:  Civil  War  Period 
362nd  Regiment,  Field  Artillery 


Army  of  Cuban  Pacificatic 
Garrison  Flag 


161st  Regiment.  Field  Artillery 
Regimental:    1st  U.  S.  Infantry.  1789-91 

Oldest  known  Service  Flag 

ISlh  Cavalry:  Troop  F 

Spanish :   Philippine  Capture 

Cavalry,  Regimental 


Group  of  Chinese  Flags 

Taken  nl  I'l-kin,  Aiignst,  1900.  by 
O.iiiain  J.  C.  F.  TilUnn,  Hth  Inluntry 

The  Emperor  Flag 

Guidon:   "Capital  City  Camp" 

Guidon:    "Headquarters  Training  Camp, 

Middle  City:  Forces  No.  8" 

The  Empress  Flag 


Major  Reilly's  Battery  Flag 

M,irili   tieii  Tvi.i  U-  J-rkin,  1<HII< 

Regimental:  12th  Infantry 

Battalion  Engineers 

Ulil  Tmh'  l^hf, 

Boat  Flag:  Ordnance  Dept. 

2nd  Engineers;   Battalion  B 

82nd  Regiment:    Field  Artillery 

Battery  A.  Battle  of  Juarez,  1919 

Signal  Corps 

Regimental:  22nd  Infantry 


Solomon  and  the  Queen  of  Sheba 

From  the  oillrrtion  of 
Coloiul  Thouia*  Sljiiiford 
Veiernn  o(  War  of  IKli 


304th 
Field  Artillery 


National 
Ensign 


46th 

Infantry 


Stand  of  Colours 


National 
Ensign 


Regimental:    1st  N.  Y.  Volunteers 

Joan  of  Arc  Flag:  J.  S,  S. 

Civil  War:    Sykes'  Brigade 

I71st  Regiment.  86th  Division 
Anu-ncan  Ann.*   hi  Fr.UKc 

National  Ensign:   8th  Infantry 

Spanish:   San  Juan,  Porto  Rico 

Atn.-rU-an   Vl:':\..  1  S4S 

16Ist  Regiment:  Field  Artillery 

A.riericaii  Army  in  l-i.iiic- 
Major  General's  Flag 
Regimental  Standard 

Fielil  Artilkr> 

National  Ensign:    1863 

Filipino  Captured  Flags 
r,  H  i;  G, 

Filipino  Flag:   Barrio  San  Claro 


Church  Flag 

Arms  ol  Roman  Legion  in  I'alestine: 

Crest:  Mitre  of  Saint  Cornelius  the  Centurioi 

Patron  Saint,  Traditional  Bishop  of  Cst-sarea 

12th  Cavalry:  Troop  B 

U.  S.  Garrison  Flag:   Manila 

Civil  War  Guidon 

Ins,riplion       '-Tnk.n  fr.,m  IS.nlle  Field,  1H6JI' 

Regimental  Flag:   1663 
ISlst  Regiment,  91st  Division 

Moro  Flag;   S  Provinces 

Canton  of  National  Ensign 

Civil  \Var:  Battle  of  Five  Forks 

Coast  Artillery 

National  Ensign:   8th  Infantry 

Regimental:   Sth  Infantry,  1863 

Battalion  of  Engineers 

309lh  Regiment:   Field  Artillery 
AiiKriLHU  Army  in  |-rjnc.^ 

Base  Hospital:   Medical  Dept. 

Regimental:    12th  Infantry 


National  Ensign:  22nd  In&ntry 


The  Adoration  of  the  Magi 


National 
Ensign 


General  Pershing's  Flag 


;^Trmorial0  in  tJ)e  Cfeaptl 


t 


Hfqulfscant  in  :|pacc 


larr  ^cDilta 

McVickar,  1787-1868 
mour  Moore  LaTourette 
lexander  Davidson 

le  Cablttjs 

/nchon  Russell.  1790-1840 
e  Kirby  Russell 
Edmund  K.  Russell 

t  Artillery 

Martha  Pynchon 

z  anD  p>i!Scina 

^oring  Edmunds 

Xt  CVO0JS 

lorrison,  Ordnance  Dept. 

Clonal  Cro)3)3 

IcVickar,  D.D.,  Chaplain 

n  iDaj2ic0 

;omly,  Ordnance  Dept. 

font 

nel  Alexander  HofT 

al  Dcparliiienl 

Van  Rensselaer  HofT 

il  Dii)artiiuiit 

Rensselaer  Hoff 
t  Louise  Hoff 

iBcrtcan  par 

Henry  Goodwin  Gale 

\x  iDajsos 

r  Day,  Surgeon 
Lieutenant,  U.  S.  A. 
Lieutenant,  U.S.N, 
-loughton  Day 
revet  Brigadier  General 

pall 

.  Jacob  Hoth 


painting 

Pieta  from  Mexico,  1848 
Jennie  Jarvis 

paintings 

Major  General  Frederick  Dent  Grant 
The  Very  Rev.  Eugene  Augustus  Hoffman,  D.  D. 

porcl)  il^inDotojs 

Saint  Michael  and  Saint  Gabriel 
Margaret  Lybrand  Smith  Dennison 

2\tax  X^oo!i0 

General  Daniel  Butterfield 
Sarah  Garrod 

aitar  ?Dc0ii32J 

A  Thanksgiving     .     .     .     Abby  Arnold 
E.  K.  S E.  B.  S. 

pric  IDicu 

Brigadier  General  James  Nicholls  Allison 

Crucifir 

Major  Hamilton  Rowan,  C.  A.  C. 

Cibil  Wax  flag 

Captain  Luis  Emilio 

Corcan  l^attlc  flag 

Lieutenant  Hugh  W.  McKee,  U.  S.  N. 

'Joan  of  .^vc  flag 

John  Sanford  Saltus 

Otl^cv  ^Dblcctis  not  iBcmovialjS 

Stones  from  the  Dungeon  of  Joan  of  Arc 
Nieux  Chateau,  Rouen 

Crucifix  from  Liege,  Belgium 
Believed  to  be  16th  Century 

Dutch  Tiles,  setting  forth  the  Five  Great  Events 

in    tl-Ki    T    ifu    r\f  CUfit^* 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

matters  of  interest  connected  with  his  Hfe  and  work  in  and 
for  the  Garrison  taken  from  his  biography  written  by  his  son, 
WilHam  A.  McVickar. 

Speaking  of  Dr.  McVickar's  appointment  by  the  Secretary 
of  War  upon  the  nomination  of  the  Council  of  Administration 
of  the  Garrison  of  which  Dr.  Joseph  Pynchon  Russell,  Post 
Surgeon,  was  a  member,  in  1844,  his  biographer  says: 

"My  father  had  now  reached  his  fifty-sixth  year ;  a  time  of 
life  when  most  men,  if  they  do  not  think  of  rest,  do  still  hesi- 
tate about  adding  to  their  work.  Yet  we  find  him  this  year 
accepting  the  chaplaincy  of  Fort  Columbus  in  the  harbor  of 
New  York. 

He  had  always  been  fond  of  parochial  work,  and  was  not 
only  ever  ready  to  assist  his  brother  clergymen,  but  constantly 
went  out  of  his  way  to  do  so;  generally  singling  out  those, 
whether  young  or  old,  who  he  had  reason  to  believe  were 
over-worked.  A  friend  and  relative  knowing  his  feelings  in 
this  respect,  and  being  also  acquainted  with  the  officers  of  this 
Post,  mentioned  his  name  and  secured  his  appointment.  This 
unexpected  profifer  of  missionary  work,  for  it  was  really  such, 
the  performance  of  which  was  rendered  possible  by  residence 
at  the  post  not  being  required,  came  during  the  college  vaca- 
tion, and  my  father  accepted  it  at  once." 

On  first  entering  upon  his  duties,  the  chaplain  found  no 
place  set  apart  for  public  worship,  except  the  large  room  used 
oil  week-days  as  Post  Headquarters,  and  on  several  Sundays 
business  requirements  forced  him  to  vacate  even  this  and  go 
to  an  inconvenient  upper  room  for  service.  This  quickly  de- 
termined him  to  make  an  efifort  for  a  chapel,  but  he  found 
the  matter  surrounded  with  apparently  insurmountable  diffi- 
culties. Government  was  not  accustomed  to  build  chapels; 
nor  was  it  willing  either  to  make  an  appropriation  for  the  pur- 

175 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

pose,  nor  to  allow  others,  even  if  prepared,  to  build  on  gov- 
ernment ground.  But  there  was  determined  perseverance  on 
the  one  side,  and  probably  friends  at  court  on  the  other; 
not  least  among  the  latter  being  the  then  commander-in- 
chief  of  the  army,  General  Scott.  The  result  was  a  lease 
from  the  government  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet 
square,  on  the  south  side  of  the  island,  subject  to  the  exigen- 
cies of  war;  and  within  the  year,  the  completion  of  a  most 
tasteful  and  church-like  building  of  wood  after  my  father's 
own  plans,  and  from  funds,  given  and  collected  by  himself. 

The  war  with  Mexico  breaking  out  at  this  time  increased 
greatly  the  difficulties  to  be  overcome.  These  were  fully  ap- 
preciated, as  the  following  extract  from  a  letter  from  an 
Army  officer  to  the  chaplain  shows : 

"To  me,  and  I  believe  all  of  us,  the  interest  of  the  Church 
is  greatly  enhanced  by  its  erection  in  war  times  on  the  very 
scene  of  active  preparation  for  distant  service.  It  seems  a 
happy  omen  of  those  times  when  war  shall  be  known  no  more. 
That  it  is  fairly  erected  and  completed  seems  to  me  almost 
a  miracle,  and  to  you,  dear  sir,  it  must  seem  almost  a  creation. 
It  has  taught  me  a  lesson  in  the  power  of  faith  and  persever- 
ance that  I  trust  I  shall  never  forget.  Those  of  us  who  knew 
the  peculiar  and  tormenting  discouragements  under  which 
you  labored,  and  which  seemed  to  us  insurmountable,  cannot 
too  highly  appreciate  a  labor  which  not  only  benefits  Gover- 
nors Island  but  the  whole  army." 

Another  officer,  writing  from  the  far-ofif  field  of  battle, 
says: 

"I  am  much  pleased  to  hear  of  your  final  and  complete  suc- 
cess in  building  a  church  on  the  Island,  and  shall  place  my 
small  donation  in  your  hands  at  the  first  good  opportunity. 
May  its  hallowed  walls  echo  back  strains  of  pure  devotion 

176 


HISTORY   OP   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

from  the  hearts  and  lips  of  its  fortunate  attendants,  and  may 
its  erection  prove  the  means  of  turning  many  from  the  power 
of  Satan  unto  God.  If  it  shall  be  my  privilege  to  retvirn  again 
to  the  United  States,  it  will  arouse  no  ordinary  feelings  of 
emotion  in  my  heart  to  enter  into  the  courts  of  our  little 
sanctuary,  and  there  to  join  the  voice  of  prayer  and  praise  to 
Him  who  is  the  God  of  dangers  and  of  protection.  Be  so 
kind,  my  dear  sir,  in  your  next  letter,  as  to  describe  its  posi- 
tion and  its  form,  even  in  details." 

Fort  Columbus  from  1850  was  the  great  recruiting  depot 
of  the  army;  the  numbers,  therefore,  that  came  under  the 
chaplain's  notice  in  war  times  was  greatly  increased.  As  the 
common  soldier  is  not  generally  considered  very  impressible, 
we  may  judge  somewhat  of  the  spiritual  power  of  the  work 
centering  round  this  little  chapel  by  knowing  that  it  received 
several  bequests  from  soldiers  dying  in  the  hospitals  of 
Mexico.  The  circle  of  its  influence  was  a  large  one.  The 
regiments  were  often  changed,  and  when  they  were,  a  prac- 
tical symbolism  was  enlisted  to  give  permanency  to  the 
spiritual  impressions  already  made.  The  communicants 
among  the  commissioned  officers  were  assembled  by  the  chap- 
lain and  requested  to  choose  a  Bible  text  which  should  be 
the  motto  of  their  regiment,  this  was  then  inscribed,  with 
proper  device  and  color,  on  a  metal  shield,  with  the  name 
of  the  regiment  and  solemnly  hung  on  the  walls  of  the 
chapel,  a  binding  link  to  the  absent,  a  suggestive  subject  of 
reflection  to  the  present  worshippers. 

In  July,  1849,  writing  to  an  absent  son,  my  father  says: 
"The  little  Church  of  St.  Cornelius  is  growing  in  historic  in- 
terest as  well  as  beauty.  The  three  successive  commands  of 
the  Island  have  all  their  mementoes  on  its  walls — texts  se- 
lected by  them  with  appropriate  shields;  and  what  is  more 

177 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

satisfactory  yet,    I   never   had   better  attendance    from   the 
officers."* 

An  interesting  episode  occurred  after  the  close  of  the  Mexi- 
can War  in  the  encampment  for  a  time  on  Governors  Island 
of  what  was  called  the  California  Regiment  of  Colonel  Stev- 
enson. This  was  a  semi-military  colony,  under  government 
patronage,  going  to  take  practical  possession  of  the  newly 
acquired  territory  of  California.  The  proposed  expedition 
aroused  all  my  father's  clear-sighted  zeal,  both  for  the  com- 
monwealth and  the  Church.  He  saw  how  much  of  the  future 
of  California,  civil  and  ecclesiastical,  might  depend  on  the 
character  and  moral  impetus  of  these  men.  He  knew  that 
they  were  mostly  adventurers,  but  he  never  doubted  the  germ 
of  goodness  within.  He  worked  among  them  untiringly,  and 
before  they  sailed — they  were  going  by  the  six  months' 
voyage  round  the  Horn — he  persuaded  them  to  elect  a  chap- 
lain, determine  on  daily  prayers  on  shipboard,  and  take  the 
nominal  position  at  least  of  a  God-fearing  body.  The  Ameri- 
can Bible  Society  and  the  New  York  Bible  and  Common 
Prayer  Book  Society  were  brought  into  requisition  to  enable 
him  to  make  distribution  to  every  man  of  a  Bible  and,  to 
every  one  that  desired  it,  a  Prayer  Book.  This  distribution 
was  made  the  occasion  of  a  farewell  address,  which,  at  the 
request  of  the  officers,  was  printed  and  distributed  among 
the  men  as  a  memento  of  home,  for  California  was  then  a 
terra  incognita,  and  felt  to  be,  as  it  really  was,  very  far  away. 
The  request  of  the  Committee  of  Officers  for  a  copy  of  this 
farewell  address,  which  was  made  at  the  distribution  of  Bibles 
and  Prayer  Books  to  the  Regiment  prior  to  its  sailing  for 

*  These  shields  are  described  on  p.  195.  When  the  new  Chapel  was 
built  (1906)  they  were  removed  from  the  old  Chapel,  carefully  mounted 
on  oak  and  hung  on  the  walls  of  the  south  transept,  where  they  serve 
as  a  reminder  of  the  devotion  of  Dr.  McVickar  and  of  the  manly  piety  of 

the  soldiers  of  his  day  and  generation.     Rcqiiicscaiit  onuics  in  pace. 

178 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

California  and  which  was  printed,  is  dated  "Camp  Polk, 
Governor's  Island,  /th  Reg't  N.  Y.  U.  S.  A.  Volunteers, 
Sept.  nth,  1846,"  and  the  Doctor's  acknowledgment  of  the 
courtesy  was  dated  the  following  day. 

Of  his  ministrations  among  the  sick,  it  is  sufficient  to  say 
that  he  was  faithful,  and  never  allowed  personal  fear,  and 
seldom  personal  weariness,  to  interpose  a  barrier.  When  the 
cholera  was  raging  on  Governors  Island  in  1849,  he  writes  to 

an  absent  member  of  his  family :  "Dr I  was  with 

last  night,  who  both  for  his  own  sake  and  that  of  his  family, 
is  very  dear  to  me.  I  am  afraid  we  shall  lose  him.  It  has 
terminated  in  cholera,  which  has  carried  off  so  many.  I  shall 
return  to  a  sorrowing,  perhaps  desolute  house,  but  God's 
will  be  done.  It  is  painful  beyond  measure  to  lose,  as  I  do, 
the  mourners  also,  by  their  removal  from  my  care  and 
sympathy." 

As  I  copy  these  lines,  evidently  written  before  breakfast, 
after  an  anxious  night's  visitation,  and  telling  of  the  simple 
way  in  which  the  chaplain  went  in  and  out  among  his  cholera 
sick,  I  am  forcibly  reminded  of  his  devoted  successor  in  the 
chaplaincy,  the  Revd.  Alexander  Davidson,  the  second  chap- 
lain from  Trinity  Church,  who  has  but  just  laid  down  his 
young  life,  a  sacrifice  to  the  same  sense  of  duty,  as  he  went  in 
and  out  among  the  sick  soldiers,  during  the  late  prevalence  of 
yellow  fever  on  the  island.  His  record  as  given  by  his 
commanding  officer  is  a  very  noble  one,  and  if  imagination 
might  be  allowed  to  picture  choice  meetings  in  the  spirit 
world,  it  would  find  here  congenial  material. 

Many  letters  show  the  personal  interest  which  my  father 
took  in  the  new  recruits,  especially  those  who  had  seen  better 
days,  and  who,  by  misfortune  or  wrong-doing,  had  been  in- 
duced to  enlist  in  the  army.  Several,  so  situated,  were 
through  his  influence  at  Washington  freed  from  their  enlist- 

179 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

ment  and  restored  to  their  friends.  Foreigners  also,  who 
could  neither  speak  nor  write  English,  but  who  were  well 
educated,  and  who  from  necessity  had  been  forced  to  enlist, 
often  found  in  the  Latin  tongue  a  means  of  communication 
which  must  have  been  to  them  a  great  comfort.     *     *     * 

The  following  letter,  found  among  the  Chaplain's  papers, 
is  an  example  of  this,  pathetic  in  its  simplicity. 
DoMiNE  Pastor  : 

Quod  tibi  scribo,  excusa  me. 

Te  rogare  volui  ut  curani  haberes  pro  me  Majorem 
optare  ut  me  in  Partem  Permanentem  transferret. 

Simul  curriculum  vitce  meae  tibi  refero  ut  de  me  judi- 
care  possis. 

Filius  Pastoris  primarii  Magdeburgiensis  sum.  In 
prima  classe  Gymnasii  Latini  Halbertstadiensis  versatus 
sum. 

Postea  quinque  annos  mercator  fui  in  quibus  Col- 
legium Carolinum  Brunoswigii  visitavi. 

Capitanus  in  Bello  Danico  fui  et  infelix  fortuna  poli- 
ticio  me  in  banc  partem  mundi  translulit.  Non  amicum 
qui  me  novit  habeo.     Rogo  ut  tu  nieum  optatum  audias. 

*  Carolus  Arminius  Thryhsson. 

*  Translation — 
Reverend  Pastor: 

Excuse  me  for  troubling  you  with  a  letter. 

I  wish  to  ask  you  to  be  so  very  kind  as  to  request  the  Major  to  transfer 
me  to  the  Permanent  Party. 

I  will  now  tell  you  something  of  my  life  so  that  you  can  judge  what 
kind  of  man  I  am. 

I  am  the  Son  of  the  Chief  Pastor  of  the  City  of  Magdeburg  and  a 
graduate  in  the  highest  class  of  the  Latin  Classical  Academy  of  Hal- 
bcrtstadt   (Prussia). 

For  five  years  after  my  graduation  I  was  engaged  in  business  during 
which  time  I  attended  the  Caroline  College  at  Brunswick. 

I  also  served  in  the  Army  with  rank  of  Captain  in  our  war  with 
Denmark  and  then  by  an  unhappy  turn  of  the  wheel  of  fortune  I  find 
myself  in  this  part  of  the  world,  unknown,  without  a  friend  to  help  me. 
I  earnestly  beg  that  you  will  hear  this  my  prayer. 

i8o 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  "permanent  party"  referred  to  in  the  above  was  the 
permanent  garrison  of  the  Island,  the  members  of  which 
were  not  Hable  to  be  sent  to  distant  posts,  and  had  other 
privileges.  Only  the  best  men  were  put  upon  it  and  it  was 
considered  an  honor  as  well  as  an  advantage  to  belong  to  it. 

These  chaplaincy  duties,  running  over  a  period  of  eighteen 
years,  having  commenced  with  one  war,  were  destined  to 
terminate  with  another.  My  father's  feelings  with  regard  to 
the  War  of  the  Rebellion  are  well  expressed  in  the  following 
few  lines  of  a  home  letter : — 

"April  17,  1861, — Our  April  has  been  stormy,  but  less  so 
than  our  national  affairs.  It  is  a  crisis  I  could  never  have 
believed  in,  and  even  now  can  scarcely  realize;  but  it  alters 
not  our  rule  of  life — duty  and  Christian  hope.  When  earth 
is  dark,  we  must  look  to  Heaven  for  light.  Civil  war  is  upon 
us.  It  might,  perhaps,  have  been  avoided,  but  must  now  be 
met,  and  the  Federal  government  supported  at  all  hazards  and 
any  cost.  We  must  now  conquer  peace.  The  interval,  long 
or  short,  will  be  one  of  trials  and  self-denials  such  as  we  have 
not  been  accustomed  to,  but  with  a  brave  heart  and  God's 
Blessing  we  shall  go  through  them." 

Under  the  regulations  then  in  force  soldiers  were  required 
to  attend  divine  service  and  on  the  sounding  of  the  Church 
call  were  marched  to  and  seated  in  the  lower  half  of  the 
Chapel.  Those  only  were  excused  who  were  on  duty  that 
prevented  or  who  could  plead  religious  scruples.  These,  how- 
ever, had  to  remain  in  quarters  during  divine  service  and  have 
the  Articles  of  War  and  Regulations  read  to  them  and  some 
amusing  tales  are  traditional  from  McVickar's  time  of  men 
who  after  comparing  the  Regulations  and  the  Chaplain's  ser- 
mons decided  in  favour  of  the  latter  as  the  less  of  two  evils. 

The  reader  who  has  followed  thus  far  this  historical  ac- 
count will  have  observed  that  Governors  Island  is  sni  generis 

181 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

in  every  department  of  its  military  and  social  activities.  It 
will  not  be  surprising,  therefore,  to  find  it  so  in  its  ecclesias- 
tical relations. 

Dr.  McVickar  was  selected  by  the  Post  Council  of  Ad- 
ministration according  to  the  regulations  of  1838.  In  those 
days  the  pay  of  Chaplain  was  forty  dollars  a  month,  four 
rations  per  day,  quarters  and  fuel,  increased  in  1849  to  not  to 
exceed  sixty  dollars  a  month,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
Post  Council. 

The  Chaplaincy  of  Governors  Island  has  remained  during 
all  succeeding  years  on  the  basis  of  its  establishment  in  1844, 
except  that  since  1868  the  financial  support  of  the  Chaplain 
has  been  borne  by  the  Trinity  Church  Corporation.  This  is 
somewhat  analogous  to  the  corps  of  Acting  Post  Chaplains 
in  the  British  Army,  of  whom  there  are  a  number  carried  on 
the  rolls  in  addition  to  the  regular  commissioned  Chaplains. 
These  have  their  regular  parochial  work  but  may  be  called 
upon,  as  reserves,  by  the  War  Department  for  special  duty 
when  their  services  are  required.  The  arrangement  in  force 
at  Governors  Island  is  more  favourable  to  the  Government, 
however,  as  is  also  the  status  of  the  Chapel  building,  which  is 
for  the  sole  use  of  the  Government  in  the  persons  of  the 
Governors  Island  establishment,  whereas  in  England  and 
Germany  today  the  Military  Garrisons  in  most  cases  share  a 
parish  Church  with  the  regular  congregation,  as,  for  instance, 
at  Carlisle,  where  the  author  has  been  present  at  service  on 
Sunday,  the  command  from  the  Castle  in  the  City  marching 
in  and  occupying  assigned  sittings,  the  officers  sitting  in  the 
choir  stalls. 

In  Germany  there  are  but  a  few  Garrison  Chapels  besides 
the  ones  at  Berlin  and  Potsdam  and  the  garrisons  use  the  local 
churches  as  best  they  may.  The  author  quotes  the  following 
passage  on  this  subject  from  the  valuable  observations  of 

182 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Chaplain  Joseph  Clemens,  15th  U.  S.  Infantry,  on  duty  at 
Tientsin,  China : 

"The  French  have  no  chaplains,  neither  have  the  Italians, 
except  for  soldiers  in  the  provinces.  The  Germans  have 
Romanist  and  Protestant  chaplains  at  all  garrisons,  who  also 
visit  the  smaller  posts  periodically.  When  no  chaplain  is  ob- 
tainable the  commanding  officer  reads  the  service.  Regi- 
mental chaplains  rank  as  captains,  superintending  chaplains 
as  lieutenant  colonels.  They  are  paid  from  the  war  budget. 
Roman  Catholic  and  Protestant  chaplains  are  forbidden  to 
talk  to  any  but  those  of  their  own  faith ;  the  orthodox 
(Lutheran)  may  talk  to  all.  They  visit  the  hospitals  and 
prisons. 

The  Russians  provide  an  Orthodox,  a  Romanist  and  a  Prot- 
estant at  each  large  garrison.  For  smaller  posts  they  provide 
an  Orthodox  chaplain,  and  for  each  prison  and  hospital,  but 
for  others  they  provide  chaplains  by  districts.  They  do  not 
rank  as  officers  nor  wear  uniforms,  on  account  of  the  union 
of  Church  and  State.  The  chaplains  of  one  creed  are  not 
forbidden  to  talk  to  men  of  another  creed.  In  Russia 
soldiers  are  ordered  to  service  twice  a  week,  but  elsewhere 
a  priest  comes  at  certain  times,  and  the  C.  O.  conducts  services 
on  holydays  and  special  occasions.  Chaplains  are  paid  from 
the  war  budget. 

The  British  provide  chaplains  for  soldiers  everywhere,  ac- 
cording to  the  credal  preference  made  by  the  soldiers  when 
entering  the  services,  whether  Orthodox  (Church  of  Eng- 
land), Romanist  or  Dissenters  (Methodists,  Baptists,  Pres- 
byterians, etc.).  Chaplains  rank  from  citizens  to  a  chaplain 
general,  but  do  not  wear  uniforms.  They  visit  the  outposts 
of  their  commands  weekly.  When  civilian  chaplains  are  em- 
ployed they  receive  one  shilling  a  man  per  annum.    An  officer 

183 


HISTORY    OF    GOV'ERNORS    ISLAXD 

accompanies  each  detail  of  men  to  their  various  services 
once  a  week  under  orders. 

Speaking  generally,  it  may  be  said  the  chaplains  of  Euro- 
pean Armies  are  employed  in  religious  work  only." 

Dr.  McVickar,  the  venerable  founder  of  the  work  here, 
was,  like  some  of  the  recognized  Chaplains  in  the  British 
Army  to-day,  a  civilian  chaplain,  and  all  who  have  followed 
him  for  70  years  have  been  the  same,  except  Chaplain  La 
Tourette,  who  served  here  1865-8.  The  present  Chaplain 
(1922)  holds  a  commission  as  O.  R.  C. 

The  students  of  Columbia  in  the  40's  and  50's  had  a  song 
about  this  distinguished  scholar  and  cleric  in  allusion  to  his 
Army  chaplaincy  which  it  is  supposed  amused  him  as  much  as 
the  students  themselves.    The  refrain  was  as  follows : 

"0.'  Johnny  McVickar' s  a  warlike  man; 
He's  hiiilt  on  the  preaching  and  fighting  plan — 
He's  chaplain  of  Governor's  Island." 

At  this  time  Columbia  College  was  at  Park  Place  near  the 
Battery.  Dr.  McVickar  wore  a  military  cape  and  cap  in  his 
attendance  at  the  College  as  well  as  when  on  duty  at  Fort 
Columbus  and  was  accustomed  to  hang  them  on  a  hook  in 
view  of  the  students.  The  author  has  been  told  by  a  dis- 
tinguished clergyman  of  the  Church  who  was  a  student  at 
Columbia  under  Dr.  McVickar  in  the  Class  of  1856  that  the 
Reverend  Professor-Chaplain  was  very  proud  of  his  chap- 
laincy at  Governors  Island  as  well  as  of  the  cap  which  he 
wore,  and  the  students,  who,  it  seems,  were  very  much  as 
students  are  today,  appreciating  this  very  pardonable  pride, 
Init  determined  to  turn  it  to  good  account,  formulated  a  set 
of  verses  of  which  the  chorus  as  given  above  alone  remains. 

Columbia  College  thus  has  three  points  of  connection  with 
Governors  Island — first,  when  under  the  early  Governors  a 

184 


HISTORY   OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

certain  tract  was  set  apart  for  the  College  Revenue,  but  never ' 
used;  second,  in  1797,  when  its  Professors  and  students  in  a 
body  worked  on  the  fortifications;  and  third,  in  giving  one  of 
its  Professors,  from  1844  to  1862,  as  the  Chaplain  of  Govern- 
ors Island.  The  labours  of  the  College  body  on  the  Harlem 
fortifications  in  181 4  must  also  be  remembered. 

The  following  inscription  is  carved  on  one  of  the  stone 
sedilia  in  the  Chapel : 

In 

Memory  of 

John  McVickar 

Priest  and  Doctor 

Born  1787,  Died  1868 

Chaplain  of  this  Post 

1 844- 1 862 

By  whose  wisdom  and 

liberality  the  first 

Chapel  of  St.  Cornelius 

the  Centurion  was 

erected  in  1846 

The  law  of  truth 
was  in  his  mouth, 

and  iniquity 

was  not  found  in 

his  lips. 

Dr.  McVickar  was  succeeded  in  the  chaplaincy  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Scudder,  who  held  that  office  from  1862  until  1865. 

Upon  his  retirement  the  Rev.  James  Armour  Moore  L,a 
Tourette  was  appointed  in  his  place.  He  was  a  clergyman  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  and  served  as  commissioned  chaplain 
from  1865  until  1868. 

185 


HISTORY    OP    GOVERNORS   ISLAJSTD 

One  of  the  Sanctuary  sedilia  has  been  designated  as  a 
memorial  of  him,  and  is  thus  inscribed : 

> 

In 

Memory  of 

James  Armour  Moore 

La  Tourette, 

Priest. 

Born  1826.     Died  1891. 

Chaplain  of  this 

Post, 

1 865- 1 868. 

Faithful  in  the  dis- 
charge of  duty,  notably 
in  the  siege  of  Asiatic 
cholera  of   1866. 
Instant  in  season 
Out  of  season. 

In  1868  it  was  announced  by  the  War  Department  that  as 
the  Island  is  within  the  limits  of  the  City  of  New  York,  the 
religious  bodies  of  that  city  ought  to  feel  interest  enough  in 
the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  men  on  the  Island  to  supply  them 
with  the  ministrations  of  religion.  Trinity  Church  being  in 
the  First  Ward,  in  full  view  from  the  Island  and  close  at 
hand,  the  Rector  and  Vestry  responded  without  delay  to  the 
suggestion  of  the  Government,  and  immediately  made  an 
offer  to  the  War  Department  to  maintain  a  clergyman  at 
the  post  at  their  own  expense,  who  should  perform  the 
accustomed  duties  of  a  commissioned  chaplain.  The  pro- 
posal was  accepted  August,  1868,  as  appears  from  the  fol- 

186 


HISTORY   OP    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

lowing  extracts  from  the  collection  of  documents  relating  to 
this  subject : 

War  Department, 

Adjutant  General's  Office, 

Washington,  August  nth,  1868. 

Brevet  Major  General  D.  Butterfield, 
Superintendent  Gen  I  Rec'g  Service, 
New  York  City. 
Sir: 

Referring  to  the  recommendation  contained  in  your 
indorsement  of  the  31st  ultimo  forwarding  a  proposition 
made  by  the  Vestry  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  to 
furnish  and  pay  a  clergyman  to  conduct  religious  and 
school  exercises  at  Governor's  Island,  New  York  Har- 
bor, said  clergyman  to  be  allowed  quarters  and  fuel  by 
the  Government  and  have  the  facilities  usually  furnished 
to  chaplains,  you  are  respectfully  informed  the  same 
has  been  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Very  respectfully 

Your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)     E.  D.  TownsEnd, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

Headquarters  Gen'l  Rec'g  Service, 

New  York  City,  August  14,  1868. 

Official  copy  respectfully  fvirnished  Brevet  Brig.  Gen- 
eral H.  D.  Wallen,  Commanding  Fort  Columbus,  N.  Y. 
H.,  for  his  information  and  guidance  and  with  reference 
to  copy  of  the  letter  of  Rev.  Dr.  Dix  furnished  him  from 
this  ofifice,  July  31st  ultimo. 

By  order  of  Bvt.  Major  Gen'l  Butterfield. 

(Signed)     Asa  Bird  Gardiner, 
1st  Lieut,  of  9th  Infantry,  A.  A.  A.  G. 

187 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  first  chaplain  under  this  arrangement  was  the  Reverend 
Jean  Batiste  C.  Beavibien,  appointed  October  12,  1868,  in  the 
following  Orders : 

General  Orders  No.  104. 

H'dq'rs  Principal  Depot,  G.  R.  S. 
Ft.  Columbus,  N.  Y.  Harbor. 
Dec.  3.  1868. 
The  Commanding  Officer  has  the  pleasure  of  announc- 
ing to  the  Command  that  through  the  generosit}-  and 
Christian  sympathy  extended  by  Trinity  Church,  New 
York  City,  the  services  of  the  Rev.  J.  B.  C.  Beaubien 
have  been  secured  as  resident  chaplain  of  the  Depot ;  and 
that  certain  necessary  improvements  are  about  to  be 
made  in  the  Chapel  of  St.  Cornelius  for  the  comfort  and 
convenience  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  here  stationed. 

Under  this  beneficient  arrangement  worship  is  perma- 
nently resumed  at  the  Depot :  with  Sunday  morning  and 
evening  services :  a  Sabbath  School  and  Bible  Class. 

Although  "it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  all  officers 
and  soldiers  diligently  to  attend  divine  service,"  and  not- 
withstanding all  are  cordially  invited  to  attend,  yet  this 
invitation  is  in  no  sense  compulsory  and  must  not  be  so 
considered  or  construed  by  the  officers  or  non-commis- 
sioned officers  of  the  Depot.  All  must  be  left  free  to 
worship  God  after  their  own  fonns  and  in  accordance 
with  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences. 
By  order  of  Bvt.  Brig.  Gen.  H.  D.  Wallen. 

I.  E.  Putnam, 

1st  Lieut.  1 2th  Inf'y  &  Bvt.  Capt.  U.  S.  A., 

Post  Adjutant. 

At  the  same  time  order  was  taken  for  certain  work  for  the 
improvement  of  the  chapel  and  supplies  for  the  schools  in 
charge  of  the  chaplain. 

He  was  transferred  after  a  little  more  than  a  year  to  an- 
other Post  and  the  Rev.  Alexander  Davidson  was  appointed, 
January  10,  1870. 

188 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Dr.  Dix  writes  of  him  as  follows  in  his  History  of  the 
Chapel  of  St.  Cornelius  the  Centurion : 

"The  name  of  this  devoted  young  priest  shines  brightly  in 
the  annals  of  our  venerable  parish ;  he  attained  an  honor 
which  many  have  coveted  but  few  secured — the  death  of  those 
who  give  their  lives  for  their  fellow-men.  His  career  was 
brief,  but  glorious.  Cordially  welcomed  to  the  Island  by 
Bvt.  Brig.  Gen.  Thomas  H.  Neill,  commanding  the  Depot, 
and  furnished  by  that  officer  with  instructions  for  his  infor- 
mation and  guidance,  he  began  his  work  with  the  opening 
of  the  year  and  speedily  gave  proof  of  ability  and  devotion. 
But,  unfortunately,  his  health  was  not  strong,  and  after  a 
few  months  it  was  deemed  advisable  that  he  should  take  such 
time  as  might  be  necessary  for  a  complete  recovery.  While 
he  was  away  on  leave  of  absence,  the  yellow  fever  broke 
out  on  the  Island,  late  in  the  summer,  attacking  officers  and 
men.  On  receiving  the  news  Davidson  returned  at  once  to 
his  post  of  duty,  in  spite  of  the  remonstrances  of  his  friends, 
and  after  laboring  strenuously  among  the  sick  contracted 
the  fatal  disease  and  died.  His  name  has  been  borne  upon 
our  rolls  thenceforth  as  one  who  fell  in  the  service  of  Christ 
and  of  the  brethren.  In  appreciation  of  his  character  and 
acts  the  vestry  adopted  these  resolutions : 

(October  lo,  1870.) 

The  Comptroller  was  authorized  to  pay  the  expense  of 
printing  connected  with  the  memorial  of  the  late  Rever- 
end Alexander  Davidson,  Post  Chaplain  at  Governor's 
Island,  who  died  recently  from  yellow  fever  contracted 
in  his  attendance  on  the  sick  soldiers  under  his  charge. 

Resolved  that  a  tablet  be  erected  in  Trinity  Church  in 
memory  of  the  Reverend  Alexander  Davidson,  late  in 
the  service  of  this  Parish  as  Chaplain  on  Governor's 
Island,  who  died  at  that  post  during  the  epidemic  lately 

189 


HISTORY    OF    GOV^ERNORS    ISLAND 

prevailing  there,  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  to  the 
men  under  his  spiritual  care. 

And  that  it  be  referred  to  a  Committee  of  three,  of 
which  the  Rector  shall  be  chairman,  to  procure  a  design 
for  such  tablet  and  to  select  a  suitable  position  for  it, 
and  to  report  the  same  to  the  Vestry  with  an  estimate 
of  its  cost. 

Mr.  Strong  and  Mr.  Sackett  were  appointed  on  the 
Committee. 

At  the  same  meeting  a  substantial  gift  was  made  to  the 
mother  of  the  deceased  Chaplain,  and  an  appropriation  was 
voted  to  enable  the  Rector  to  provide  for  the  services  at  St. 
Cornelius'  Chapel  in  the  interval  between  the  death  of  Mr. 
Davidson  and  the  appointment  of  his  successor. 

The  tablet  to  his  memory  was  placed  in  Trinity  Church, 
and  may  now  be  seen  in  the  sacristy.  It  bears  this  inscrip- 
tion : 

In  memory  of  the  Rev. 

Alexander  Davidson 

Chaplain  at  Ft.  Columbus 

New  York  Harbor 

Who  died  of  Yellow  Fever 

Sept.  A.  D.   1870 

Though  absent  on  sick  leave  when  the  Disease 
broke  out  he  came  back,  and  while  ministering 
to  the  Sick  and  Dying  was  himself  struck 
down  and  thus  gave  his  life  for  his  Brethren. 

The  above  inscription  is  also  carved  in  stone  on  one  of  the 
memorial  sedilia  in  the  new  Chapel. 

The  Revd.  Edward  Hackley  Carmichael  Goodwin  was 
appointed  chaplain  Jan'y  17,  187 1,  and  served  with  great 
faithfulness  until  Sept.  30.  1904,  when  he  was  retired  on  a 
pension. 

190 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Upon   his   reporting  at   Governors   Island   the    following 
orders  were  issued : 

Headquarters  Principal  Depot  Recruiting  Service, 
Fort  Columbus,  New  York  Harbor, 
Jan'y  17,  1871. 
Special  Orders,) 
No.  15.  \ 

[extract.] 

II.  Rev.  Mr.  E.  H.  C.  Goodwin  having  reported  at 

these  Headquarters  is  hereby  announced  as  Chaplain  of 

•    the  Post.    He  will  be  obeyed  and  respected  accordingly. 

By  command  of  Lieut.-Col.  T.  H.  Neill,  6th  Cavalry. 

James  Regan, 
1st  Lt.  9th  Infantry,  Post  Adjutant. 

When  he  went  to  Governors  Island  there  were  two  separate 
commands,  Fort  Columbus  and  the  New  York  Arsenal.  Fort 
Columbus  was  a  two-company  post,  commanded  at  that  time, 
as  appears  from  the  special  order  just  quoted,  by  Lieut.- 
Col.  Thos.  H.  Neill,  6th  Cavalry,  while  Lieut.-Col.  Theodore 
T.  S.  Laidley  was  in  command  of  the  Arsenal.  To  these  two 
officers  Mr.  Goodwin  was  indebted  for  a  very  cordial  recep- 
tion, and  for  whatever  assistance  could  be  reasonably  expected 
by  one  entering  on  duties  so  novel.  Mr.  Goodwin  speaks  of 
the  feeling  toward  him  throughout  his  long  term  of  office, 
both  personally  and  in  his  work,  as  so  kindly  that  it  is  difficult 
to  single  out  names  for  mention.  Colonel  Neill's  successors, 
as  a  rule,  were  as  warmly  his  friends  as  was  that  distinguished 
officer.  Of  Colonel  Laidley  he  has  spoken  to  me  with  peculiar 
affection,  remarking  that  he  was  never  absent  from  the  chapel 
when  it  was  open  for  service,  and  that,  if  on  the  Island^  the 
Colonel  was  always  in  his  place,  with  kindly  greeting,  wise 
counsel,  helpful  suggestion,  and  hearty  sympathy.     Among 

191 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

the  ofificers  subsequently  in  command  at  the  Arsenal  during 
his  long  Chaplaincy  from  1871  to  1904  may  be  specially  men- 
tioned Col.  Alfred  Mordecai,  Col.  Julian  McAlister,  Col.  J. 
W.  Reilly  and  Col.  John  E.  Greer. 

Of  the  ladies  resident  from  time  to  time  on  Governors 
Island,  Mrs.  Hancock  organized  an  efficient  choir  and  played 
the  organ  at  the  chapel  services,  besides  being  at  the  head  of 
several  entertainments  on  the  Island  given  by  the  officers  and 
ladies  at  the  Post  for  the  benefit  of  the  Chapel.  Mrs.  Schofield 
may  also  be  mentioned  as  greatly  interested,  and  as  having 
made  altar  cloths  and  other  vestments  for  the  Chapel.  The 
subject  of  the  music  was  a  difficult  one,  as  it  was  entirely 
voluntary,  an  arrangement  rendered  uncertain  and  unsatis- 
factory by  the  changes  in  command  and  the  coming  and  going 
of  regiments.  During  the  whole  of  her  residence  Mrs.  Han- 
cock took  charge  of  the  musical  part  of  the  service ;  Miss  Julia 
Gilliss  was  also  noted  for  prolonged  attention  to  the  work; 
Mrs.  David  Robertson,  wife  of  Hospital  Steward  Robertson, 
was  for  a  long  time  the  acceptable  leader  of  the  choir.  Mrs. 
Schofield,  Mrs.  Ruggles,  Mrs.  Arnold,  Mrs.  Taylor,  Mrs. 
Roger  Jones,  Mrs.  Morrison,  and  many  others,  were  active 
helpers  of  Chaplain  Goodwin,  and  aided  in  many  ways  in  the 
adornment  of  the  chapel  with  contributions  of  sacramental 
vessels,  altar  cross,  eucharistic  candles  and  other  lights,  altar 
desk,  vases,  etc.,  and  hangings  which  were  the  work  of  their 
own  hands  or  purchased  by  them  and  presented  as  offerings  of 
love  and  devotion.  The  sympathy  of  the  ladies  has  been  al- 
ways a  strong  encouragement  to  the  chaplain  and  an  incentive 
to,  as  well  as  a  reward  of,  his  work;  and  so  it  continues  to  the 
present  day. 

I  may  also  add  to  this  record  the  names  of  General  Gillespie, 
who  was  especially  interested  in  the  work;  of  Col.  J.  \V. 
Reilly,  who  supplemented  the  offices  of  the  quarter-master  by 

192 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

having  the  pews  repaired  by  the  workmen  in  his  employ,  and 
raised  money  to  recarpet  the  entire  chapel;  and  of  Col. 
Samuel  Brook,  adjutant-general,  who  provided  cushions  for 
the  pews. 

Upon  retirement  of  Chaplain  Goodwin  the  Revd.  Edmund 
Banks  Smith  was  appointed  and  announced  by  special  orders  : 

Headquarters  Atlantic  Division, 

Special     Orders,  |     Governors  Island,  New  York  City, 
No.   ^2.  \  October  28,  1904. 

[extract.] 

I.  The  Reverend  Edmund  Banks  Smith  having  re- 
ported at  these  headquarters  on  the  ist  instant,  is  hereby 
announced  as  Chaplain  of  this  station  pursuant  to  au- 
thority of  the  War  Department  contained  in  letter  dated 
Adjutant  General's  Office,  Washington,  August  11,  1868. 

He  will  be  obeyed  and  respected  accordingly. 

*  :(;  ;|:  *  *  * 

By  command  of  Brigadier  General  Grant  : 

H.  O.  S.  Heistand, 

Colonel,  Assistant  Adjutant  General, 
Adjutant  General. 

THE  NEW  CHAPEL 

"In  1904,  after  nearly  sixty  years  of  constant  use,  the  old 
chapel  was  found  to  be  in  a  state  of  partial  decay  and  no 
longer  safe  or  convenient  for  occupancy.  There  were  leaks 
in  the  roof  and  sides ;  one  of  the  window  frames  fell  out  in  a 
high  wind ;  it  was  very  cold  in  winter ;  it  was  battered  by  the 
storms  of  years.  The  Trinity  Church  Corporation,  after  due 
consideration,  abandoned  the  idea  of  repairing  or  endeavor- 
ing to  restore  the  old  edifice,  notwithstanding  the  associations 

193 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

connected  with  it,  and  decided  to  ask  permission  of  the  Gov- 
ernment to  replace  it  with  a  new  building.  Negotiations  with 
the  War  Department  were  carried  on  for  several  months,  in 
the  years  1904  and  1905,  during  which  time  we  were  greatly 
indebted  to  Maj.-Gen.  James  F.  Wade,  Maj.-Gen.  Frederick 
D.  Grant,  Brig.-Gen.  John  W.  Clous  (retired).  Col.  H.  O.  S. 
Heistand,  Majors  E.  M.  Weaver,  H.  Rowan,  G.  H.  G.  Gale, 
and  Albert  Todd,  for  valuable  advice  and  assistance,  both 
here  and  in  Washington.  To  these  officers  I  now  have  the 
honor  to  present  our  thanks  for  their,  cooperation  in  our 
cherished  plan,  and  their  assistance  in  enabling  us  to  carry  it 
into  efifect.  After  due  time  consent  was  given  by  the  War 
Department;  designs  for  the  new  building  having  been  sub- 
mitted, examined,  and  approved,  and  a  site  was  designated  not 
far  from  that  of  the  old  chapel.  The  ceremony  of  laying  the 
cornerstone,  by  the  Right  Rev.  David  H.  Greer,  D.D.,  Bishop 
Coadjutor  of  New  York,  took  place  on  Friday,  October  27, 
1905,  and  the  chapel  was  consecrated,  with  imposing  ecclesi- 
astical and  military  ceremonies,  October  19,  1906." 

From  Dr.  Dix's  History  of  the  Chapel. 

The  architect  selected  to  build  the  chapel  was  Mr.  Charles 
C.  Haight,  gentleman  well  known  and  esteemed  in  his  pro- 
fession. He  has  a  military  record  w'hich  merits  attention  in 
this  connection.  During  the  war  for  the  Union,  Mr.  Haight 
served  as  captain  of  the  39th  Regiment,  New  York  Volunteers. 
On  the  second  day  of  the  Battle  of  the  Wilderness  he  com- 
manded that  regiment  and  was  severely  wounded.  He  also 
served  as  adjutant  of  the  31st  Regiment,  United  States  Volun- 
teers, and  in  other  capacities  during  the  war.  His  wife  was  a 
grand-daughter  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  McVickar,  chaplain,  by 
whom  the  first  chapel  was  built  in  1846,  and  his  eldest  son  is 
Capt.  Charles  Sidney  Haight,  5th  U.  S.  Cavalr>'. 

194 


D 
_l 

UJ         to 

Z      ° 

cc     - 

O 
U 


HISTORY   OP   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

A  number  of  historical  shields  of  metal  which  had  hung  for 
many  years  in  the  Chapel  of  1846  were  removed  to  the  new 
Chapel  upon  its  completion  and  are  in  the  South  transept : 

A  shield  commemorating  the  wreck  of  the  "San  Francisco" 
has  on  it : 

"Wreck  of  the  San  Francisco,  Christmas,  1853.  The 
survivors  of  the  3d  Arty  in  Sorrow  and  in  Thankfulness 
hang  up  this  Shield." 

Four  smaller  shields  bear  the  following  inscriptions  : 

"Recruiting  Depot.  Came,  17th  March,  1842.  In- 
scribed these  to  the  Glory  of  God.    Trinity  S.,  1849." 

"ist  Regt  Arty  Cos.  A,  B  &  E.    Came  Oct.  1848. 
These  as  good  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ, 
Whitsunday,  1849." 

"3d  Regt  Arty,  Ocf,  Novr,  Dec",  1853." 

"4th  Regt  Infy 

July,    {  ^^52 

Two  shields  placed  in  memory  of  the  soldiers  who  fell 
during  the  Mexican  War  are  inscribed  : 

"Thou,  O  Lord,  hast  covered  my  head  in  the  day  of 
battle." 

"Thy  truth,  O  Lord,  shall  be  my  shield  and  buckler." 

A  smaller  shield  near  these  two  is  inscribed : 

"These  Shields  are  set  up  at  the  cost  of  Soldiers  re- 
turned from  Mexico,  1848." 

Above  the  shields  hangs  a  painting  of  the  Virgin  of 
Guadeloupe,  from  the  Hall  of  the  Montezumas,  brought  up 
by  Colonel  Harvey  Brown,  1847. 

195 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Military  trophies  connected  with  the  Mexican  War  are 
mentioned  in  the  chapter  deaHng  with  that  period.  On  the 
walls  hang  flags  representing  every  branch  of  the  service,  in- 
cluding a  number  of  Spanish  captures.  Their  number  is 
being  added  to  from  time  to  time.  The  same  is  true  of 
memorials  to  officers  of  the  Army.  The  list  at  present  in- 
cludes memorial  windows  to  Major-General  Winfield  Scott 
Hancock  and  Mrs.  Hancock  .and  to  General  Daniel  Butter- 
field  ;  a  massive  stone  font  in  memory  of  Bvt.  Colonel  Alex- 
ander H.  Hoff^  and  Ann  E.  Van  Rensselaer,  his  wife ; 
Colonel  John  Van  Rensselaer  Hofif  and  Harriet  Louisa 
Hoft'.  altar  vases  in  memory  of  Sylvester  Day,  Surgeon, 
U.  S.  A.,  Bvt.  Brig.-Gen.  C.  Hannibal  Day  and  Maria 
Houghton  his  wife,  Lieut.  Russel  H.  Day,  U.  S.  A., 
Murray  S.  Day,  U.  S.  N.,  and  Bvt.-Col.  A.  H.  Hoff 
and  Clifton  Comly,  Major  Ordnance  Corps;  in  the  side 
chapel  a  credence  and  piscina  of  carved  stone  in  memory  of 
Sumter  Loring  Edmunds,  a  credence  at  the  high  altar  to 
commemorate  the  marriage  in  the  old  chapel  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Henry  Fairfield  Osborn.  Other  gifts  are  crosses  in  memory 
of  Charles  C.  Morrison,  Capt.  Ordnance  Corps,  and  of 
Chaplain  McVickar,  given  by  his  great  grandchildren ;  tablets 
in  memory  of  Joseph  Pynchon  Russell,  Surgeon,  1790- 1849, 
who  served  at  Fort  Columbus  1824-1849,  of  his  son  Lieut. - 
Colonel  Edmund  Kirby  Russell,  ist  Artillery,  who  was  born 
on  Governors  Island  in  1840,  and  of  members  of  their  family; 
a  crucifix  in  memory  of  Major  Hamilton  Rowan;  a  Prie 
Dieu  in  memory  of  Brig.-Gen.  James  N.  Allison ;  paintings  in 
memory  of  Colonel  Thomas  Staniford  and  Jennie  Jarvis  and 
the  Very  Revd.  D"".  Hoffman;  a  Pall  in  memory  of  James 
Roth,  Flags  in  memory  of  Captain  Luis  Emilio,  John  San- 
ford  Saltus,  Lieut.  Hugh  W.  McKee,  U.  S.  N.,  and  a  Pax  in 
memory  of  Colonel  G.  H.  G.  Gale;  a  Bible  in  memory  of 

196 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Brig.-Gen.  John  W.  Clous  and  a  group  of  paintings  of  sacred 
subjects  in  memory  of  General  Grant.  These  paintings  are 
assembled  in  a  shrine  under  a  f^ag  canopy  and  are  marked  by 
a  brass  tablet  inscribed  by  Mrs.  Grant,  who  presented  the 
paintings,  as  follows : 


Un  flDemoriam 

Frkde;rick  Dent  Grant 
Major-General  United  States  Army 

April  13-26  191 2 


Services  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  have  been  held 
for  many  years  on  the  Island.  Prior  to  1883  they  were 
under  the  auspices  of  St.  Peter's  Church  in  Barclay  Street, 
but  for  twenty-eight  years  past  they  have  been  attended  from 
the  Mission  at  No.  7  State  Street,  New  York. 

At  one  time,  according  to  the  remembrance  of  old  residents, 
these  services  were  held  in  a  building  near  the  old  Hospital,  at 
other  times  in  the  barracks  and  the  Castle  for  a  short  period 
till  a  more  suitable  place  could  be  found.  In  later  years,  and 
for  a  long  time,  they  have  been  conducted  in  the  South 
Battery,  and  with  the  completion  of  the  new  building  in  the 
Battery  in  1904  a  spacious  hall  has  been  used  for  that  purpose, 
where  service  is  held  every  Sunday  morning. 

Chaplains  Waring,  Dempsey  and  Dineen  officiated  here 
during  their  tours  of  duty  as  Regimental  Chaplains  at  Fort 
Jay.  At  present  (1922)  the  services  are  conducted  under 
the  charge  of  the  Revd.  Fr.  Henry  of  the  State  Street  Mis- 
sion, as  before. 

197 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAXD 

The  Veteran  Corps  of  Artillery,  Military  Society  of  the 
War  of  1812,  of  whose  services  in  1812  mention  is  made  on 
p.  95,  comes  to  Governors  Island  annually  at  All  Saints'  for 
a  Memorial  Service. 

This  annual  service  of  commemoration  of  Departed  Com- 
rades who  have  served  with  honour  in  the  Army  and  Navy 
of  the  United  States  of  America  and  in  the  Militia  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution  and  in  later 
National  Wars  is  authorized  by  the  Secretary  of  War  and 
contains,  in  addition  to  the  features  usual  at  such  a  service, 
the  ancient  Bidding  Prayer  as  used  at  Oxford  University, 
the  Academic  offices  and  titles  being  replaced  by  Military. 
The  Prayer  is  given  here,  not  only  for  its  beauty  of  noble 
English  and  the  high  ideal  of  national  life  it  sets  forth,  but 
because,  so  far  as  can  be  learned,  this  is  the  only  military 
station  in  England  or  America  at  which  it  has  ever  been  used. 

THE  BIDDING  PRAYER 

Ye  shall  pray  for  Christ's  Holy  Catholic  Church  and 
for  that  pure  and  Apostolic  branch  of  it  which  God  has 
planted  in  these  United  States  of  America ;  and  as  I  am 
more  especially  bound,  I  bid  your  prayers  for  the  Parish 
of  Trinity  Church  in  the  City  of  New  York,  that  our 
Lord  may  bless  its  labours  for  Religion  in  the  Army  and 
in  the  Commonwealth. 

Ye  shall  pray  for  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
and  for  the  Governor  of  this  State,  and  for  all  that  are 
in  civil  authority  over  us ;  that  all,  and  every  of  them,  in 
their  several  callings  may  serve  truly  to  the  glory  of 
God,  and  the  edifying  and  well-governing  of  His  people, 
remembering  the  account  they  have    to  give. 

Ye  shall  jiray  for  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  Secretary 
of  the  Navy,  and  all  others  in  authority :  and  more  espe- 
cially for  the  Commanding  General  of  this  Military 
Corps  Area  and  for  those  who  serve  with  him :  for  the 

198 


I 
I- 

U) 

D 

_1 

z    S 

01 
K       - 

O 
U 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Commander  of  this  Post  and  all  officers  and  soldiers  here 
stationed,  that  they  may  by  Thy  Divine  assistance  pre- 
serve peace  and  tranquility  in  our  Land. 

Ye  shall  pray  for  the  National  Guard  of  this  State  and 
for  all  the  Military  Societies  of  the  Nation,  and  herein 
more  especially  for  the  members  of  this  Venerable  Corps 
and  Military  Society,  that  they  may  adorn  the  doctrine 
of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things :  and  that  in  this  State 
and  City  and  throughout  the  land  whatsoever  tends  to 
the  advancement  of  patriotism  and  true  loyalty  may  for- 
ever flourish  and  abound. 

Finally,  let  us  praise  God  for  all  them  that  are  de- 
parted out  of  this  life  in  the  faith  of  Christ,  for  the 
Patriarchs  and  Prophets,  Apostles,  Evangelists,  Doctors, 
Martyrs  and  Confessors,  whom  He  hath  bestowed  on 
His  Church  to  shine  as  lights  in  their  generations  from 
the  beginning  of  the  world ;  for  patriots  and  soldiers,  for 
those  who  have  given  their  lives  in  defence  of  country, 
for  the  Founders  of  this  Corps  and  those  who  bear  their 
names :  and  for  all  our  departed  members  who  having 
finished  their  course  in  faith  do  now  rest  from  their 
labours. 

There  was  found,  a  number  of  years  ago,  in  a  little  gilt 
frame  of  ancient  design,  a  Prayer  for  Soldiers,  evidently  com- 
posed by  the  Revd.  Dr.  McVickar.  This  prayer  is  still  used 
today  at  the  public  services  of  the  Chapel,  and  is  given  here- 
with : 

a  prayer  for  the  army, 

Chapel  of  St.  Cornelius  the  Centurion, 

Governor's  Island,  New 

York  Harbour. 

O  Almighty  Lord  God,  Who  didst  choose  Thy  Servant 
Cornelius  the  Centurion,  a  devout  man,  and  one  that 
feared  God  with  all  his  house,  to  be  the  first  fruits  of  the 
Gospel  among  the  Gentiles,  and  an  example  to  those  who 
should  follow  him  in  the  profession  of  arms,  we  humbly 

199 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

implore  Thy  blessing  upon  those  who  serve  in  the  Army 
of  the  United  States.  Make  them  to  have  a  love  of  order 
and  good  discipline :  may  they  have  the  victory  over  all 
their  enemies,  and  by  Thy  Divine  assistance  preserve 
peace  and  tranquility  in  our  land.  Do  Thou  comfort  and 
help  the  sick  and  show  Thy  pity  upon  all  prisoners  and 
captives.  [*Look  with  the  eyes  of  Thy  mercy  upon  the 
wounded,  and  have  in  Thy  holy  keeping  the  souls  of 
those  who  have  fallen  in  battle.] 

More  especially  we  pray  for  St.  Cornelius'  Chapel  and 
all  Benefactors  of  the  same,  and  this  Station  in  which  we 
dwell.  Send  a  blessing  upon  the  officers  and  other 
soldiers  and  all  under  authority :  and  grant  that  in  the 
true  Faith  of  Thy  Holy  Name  we  may  manfully  fight 
under  Christ's  banner  against  sin,  the  world  and  the 
Devil,  and  continue  His  faithful  Soldiers  and  Servants 
unto  our  lives'  end :  All  which  we  ask  in  the  name  and 
for  the  sake  of  the  great  Captain  of  our  Salvation,  Thy 
Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

The  cornerstone  of  the  new  St.  Cornelius  Chapel  was  laid 
on  October  2/,  1905.  The  Chapel  was  consecrated,  with  im- 
posing military  and  ecclesiastical  ceremonies  on  St.  Frides- 
wide's  Day,  October  19,  1906.  General  Grant  wrote  as  fol- 
lows in  appreciation  of  the  work  of  Trinity  Church  for  the 
Army : 

Letter  from  Gener/vl  Gr.\nt  regarding  the  New 
Chapel. 
"Governor's  Island,  New  York, 

October  7th,  1908. 

To  THE  Rector,  Churchwardens  and  Vestrymen  of 

Trinity  Church. 
My  dear  Sirs: — 

As  Commanding  General  of  the  Department  of  the 
East,  residing  here  on  Governor's  Island,  I  beg  to  express 
on  my  own  behalf  and  for  the  officers  of  the  United 

*  In  time  of  war. 
200 


ONE    OF    MANY    BATTLE    FLAGS    IN    THE    CHAPEL    AS    DETAILED    IN    THE    CHART 
THIS    IS    THE    OLDEST    ARMY    FLAG    KNOWN.    1ST    U     S,   1NFTRY     1789 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISI.AND 

States  Army  in  general,  and  more  especially  for  those 
stationed  here,  with  their  families,  as  well  as  on  behalf  of 
the  enlisted  men  and  all  others  residing  here  within  my 
command,  the  very  deep  appreciation  felt  by  myself  and 
by  those  mentioned,  of  the  work  so  generously  and 
liberally  carried  out  by  Trinity  Church  here,  for  years 
past. 

It  appears  from  the  records  that  the  first  Chapel 
building  in  1846-7  was  due  largely  to  the  contributions 
of  Trinity  Church  Corporation,  and  for  many  years 
after  the  date  mentioned  annual  appropriations  were 
made  by  the  Church  regularly  for  its  support  and  to 
assist  the  Chaplain  here  in  his  work  on  Governor's 
Island.  From  1868  to  the  present  time,  by  authority  of 
the  Secretary  of  War,  Trinity  Church  has  maintained 
the  Chaplain,  and  in  1906  completed  the  beautiful  stone 
chapel  which  was  dedicated  that  year,  October  19th,  with 
ceremonies  of  a  Military  and  Ecclesiastical  character. 

St.  Cornelius'  Chapel  is  the  most  beautiful  and  inspir- 
ing place  of  worship  of  the  United  States  Army  now  in 
existence,  and,  decorated  with  its  historic  flags  and 
cannon  is  deeply  appreciated  by  all  who  enter  within  its 
sacred  walls,  and  has  been  the  cause  of  several  requests 
from  other  Military  Garrisons  that  similar  Chapels  might 
be  built.  I  myself  gratefully  realize  the  happy  relations 
existing  between  the  Church  and  the  Army  brought  about 
by  the  magnificent  donation  of  Trinity  Church  in  placing 
this  Chapel  on  Governor's  Island. 


The  Revd  Morgan  Dix,  late  Rector  of  Trinity  Church, 
was  in  his  lovable,  noble  example  and  his  Christian  char- 
acter a  wonderful  aid  and  inspiration  in  establishing  the 
happy  relations  between  the  Church  &  the  Army,  and 
he  exerted  a  most  chastening  influence  over  these  com- 
ing within  the  sphere  of  his  labor  and  gentle  sympathy. 

I  deeply  appreciate  the  opportunity  I  have  had,  as  De- 
partment Commander  here,  to  witness  the  work  so  nobly 

201 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

accomplished  by  Trinity  Church  for  the  good  of  the 
United  States  Army,  and  I  beg  to  express  my  own  grate- 
ful thanks,  to  you,  the  Rector,  Churchwardens  and 
Vestrymen  of  Trinity  Church,  for  your  Christian  help 
extending  in  results  from  Governors  Island  throughout 
the  Department  of  the  East  and  to  the  Army  of  the 
United  States. 

Believe  me.  Sirs, 

Your  faithful  servant, 

Frederick  D.  Grant, 

Major  General,  U.  S.  A/' 


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CHAPTER  IX. 
Governors  Isi^and  Extension 

It  was  not  until  1797,  after  Washington  had  retired  from 
the  Presidency,  that  the  irritation  between  the  United  States 
and  France  grew  serious.  Pressing  remonstrances  were  made 
to  Congress  that  the  City  be  protected  in  its  helpless  condition, 
the  State  having  by  the  Constitution  ceded  to  the  General 
Government  the  power  of  providing  for  the  common  defense. 
The  Government  contended  that  it  had  not  the  power  to  pass 
any  law  impairing  the  obligations  of  contracts ;  that  a  balance 
of  $2,075,846  due  from  the  State  of  New  York  to  the  United 
States  by  an  award  of  the  "Commissioner  of  Accounts,"  dated 
Philadelphia,  Dec.  1793,  must  first  be  paid.  At  length,  after 
much  altercation.  Congress  declared,  by  a  law  passed  May  3, 
1798,  that  "Where  any  State,  which  was  found  indebted  to 
the  United  States,  should,  with  the  President's  approbation, 
proceed  to  finish  or  complete  any  fortifications  heretofore 
commenced  by  such  State  for  the  defense  of  any  port  or 
harbor  within  the  same,  or  shall,  under  the  direction  of  the 
President,  make  and  erect  any  additional  fortifications,  pursu- 
ant to  the  act  entitled  'An  Act  to  provide  for  the  further 
defense  of  the  ports  and  harbors  of  the  United  States,'  pro- 
viding that  no  expenditures  exceeding  the  balance  found  and 
reported  against  the  respective  States  shall  be  allowed  as 
aforesaid :  and  provided,  that  the  fortifications  for  which  the 
whole  or  any  part  of  the  expenditures  shall  be  allowed  and 
credited  as  aforesaid,  with  their  privileges  and  appurtenances 
shall  be,  and  shall  be  declared  and  established,  as  the  property 
of  the  United  States  while  maintained  by  them." 

Under  the  provisions  of  the  Act,  the  State  was  duly  credited 
with  the  several  amounts  of  money  it  had  expended  by  au- 

203 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

thority  of  legislative  acts,  in  the  erection  of  fortifications  on 
Governors  Island.  By  the  authority  of  an  act  passed  March 
26,  1794,  £30,000  had  been  so  appropriated.  This  sum  had 
been  expended  under  the  supervision  of  George  Clinton,  Alat- 
thew  Clarkson,  James  Watson,  Richard  Varick,  Nicholas 
Fish,  Ebenezer  Stevens  and  Elijah  Hammond. 

A  further  sum  of  £20,000  had  been  granted  April  6,  1795, 
to  complete  certain  works  on  Governors  Island  and  Ellis 
Island. 

This  Island,  together  with  other  islands  in  the  vicinity,  was 
ceded  to^  the  United  States  Government  by  an  act  of  the 
Legislature  passed  February  15,  1800.  The  following  is  a 
copy  of  the  said  act : 

Chapter  6,  Laws  of  1800. 

An  Act  to  cede  to  the  United  States  the  jurisdiction  of 
certain  islands  situate  in  and  about  the  harbour  of 
New  York. 
Be  it  enacted  by  the  people  of  the  State  of  New  York 
represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly :  That  the  following 
islands,  in  and  about  the  harbour  of  New  York,  and  in 
and  about  the  fortifying  of  which,  this  State  hath  here- 
tofore e-xpended  or  caused  to  be  expended  large  sums  of 
money,  to  wit,  all  that  certain  island  called  Bedlow's 
island,  bounded  on  all  sides  by  the  waters  of  the  Hudson 
River;  all  that  certain  island,  called  Oyster  Island, 
bounded  on  all  sides  by  the  waters  of  the  Hudson  River; 
and  all  that  certain  island  called  Governor's  Island,  on 
which  Fort  Jay  is  situate,  bounded  on  all  sides  by  the 
waters  of  the  East  River  and  Hudson  River,  shall  here- 
after be  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  United  States: 
Provided,  that  this  cession  shall  not  extend  to  prevent  the 
execution  of  any  process,  civil  or  criminal,  issuing  under 
the. authority  of  this  State,  but  that  such  process  may  be 
served  and  executed  on  the  said  islands  respectively,  any 
thing  therein  contained  notwithstanding. 

204 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

The  island  referred  to  as  Oyster  Island,  in  the  foregoing  act 
was  subsequently  named  and  is  now  known  as  Ellis'  Island. 

The  Sundry  Civil  Act  of  1901  made  an  appropriation  for 
beginning  the  Extension  of  Governors  Island.  This  was  ex- 
tended to  include  an  addition  of  about  82  acres  to  the  area  of 
the  Island  by  enclosing  with  a  bulkhead  part  of  the  shoal  to 
the  S.  W.  of  the  Island  and  filling  the  enclosure,  the  building 
of  a  wharf  on  the  N.  shore  and  dredging  to  a  depth  of  26  feet 
in  front  of  the  wharf  and  the  erection  of  buildings.  The  work 
of  enlargement,  including  the  construction  of  a  wharf  and 
dredging,  was  estimated  to  cost  $1,100,000,  and  was  assigned 
to  the  Engineer  Corps.  By  a  modification  of  the  plan  adopted 
in  April,  1902,  the  enlargement  was  to  be  extended  S.  W.  over 
the  shoal  to  reclaim  an  additional  area  of  about  19  acres, 
making  the  total  area  on  enlargement  103  acres.  In  January, 
1913,  the  Extension  was  turned  over  by  the  Engineer  Depart- 
ment to  the  Commanding  Officer,  Fort  Jay. 

That  it  was  the  intention  of  the  Legislature  to  cede  title  as 
well  as  jurisdiction  is  clearly  evident  from  the  Act  approved 
May  7,  1880,  ceding  certain  lands  covered  with  water,  which 
is  as  follows : 

Section  i  :  "All  the  right  and  title  of  the  State  of 
New  York  to  the  following  described  parcels  of  land 
covered  with  water,  adjacent  and  contiguous  to  the  lands 
of  the  United  States,  in  the  harbor  of  New  York,  at 
Governor's  Island,  *  *  *  and  jurisdiction  over  the 
same,  are  hereby  released  and  ceded  to  the  United  States 
under  Article  I,  Section  8,  Paragraph  17  of  the  consti- 
tution, for  the  purpose  of  erecting  and  maintaining 
docks,  wharves,  boat-houses,  sea  walls,  batteries,  and 
other  needful  structures.  Provided  that  jurisdiction 
hereby  ceded  shall  continue  no  longer  than  the  United 
States  shall  own  said  land  at  Governors  Island,  *  *  * 
and  the  adjacent  lands  covered  with  water  herein  de- 

205 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

scribed  and  hereby  released;  and  provided  further  that 
all  civil  and  such  criminal  process  as  may  lawfully  issue 
under  authority  of  this  state  may  be  served  or  executed 
over  said  released  lands." 

Subsequent  to  the  passage  of  the  foregoing  Act,  to  wit, 
May  26,  1880,  the  submerged  premises  were  granted  and 
conveyed  to  the  United  States  of  America  by  the  Gover- 
nor of  the  State  of  New  York,  by  letters  patent,  *  *  *. 
Patent  recorded  in  Book  of  Patents,  No.  44,  page  604, 
etc.,  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  for  the  State 
of  New  York. 
/  Laws  of  the  State  of  New  York,  Chapter  57.  Consoli- 
dated Laws  of  1909,  Article  3,  Section  22.  "Title  and 
jurisdiction  to  the  following  described  tracts  or  parcels 
of  land  have  been  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  this 
state  on  condition  that  jurisdiction  so  ceded  should  not 
prevent  the  execution  of  any  process,  etc.,  except  as  such 
process  might  affect  the  property  of  the  United  States 
on  Governor's  Island,"     *     *     *     &c. 

Referring  to  the  letters  patent  (as  above),  the  acting  Cor- 
poration Counsel,  City  of  New  York,  stated  June  i6th,  1910, 
in  a  communication  addressed  to  the  President  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  Taxes  and  Assessments,  New  York,  that  the  "lands 
under  water  covered  by  these  letters  patent  are  the  property 
of  the  United  States  and  therefore  exempt  from  taxation.""* 

The  actual  extension  of  work  was  begun  August,  1901.  and 
the  sea  wall  was  first  built  to  enclose  the  area.  Its  length  is 
7,219  feet  and  there  are  4,787,748  cubic  yards  in  the  ex- 
tension, the  material  having  been  obtained  from  dredged  chan- 
nels and  excavation  earth.  New  York  City.  The  number  of 
acres  is  103.55  '"  the  extension,  as  compared  with  69:8  in 
the  Old  Island.t  173.35  '"  ^l'- 

*  It   appears   from   the    foregoing   that   the   United   States  own.s   Gov- 
ernors Island  in  fee  simple, 
t  V.  note,  page  19. 

206 


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I 
5 

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HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISI.AND 

The  work  was  clone  by  the  Engineer  Department  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  W.  L.  Marshall  (Retired  Brig.-Gen.) 
and  Colonel  S.  W.  Roessler,  both  of  the  Corps  of  Engineers. 

When  work  on  the  enlargement  was  begun  the  contractors 
for  building  the  sea  wall  were  required  to  mark  the  end  of 
their  work  with  a  lantern.  As  the  foundation  advanced  into 
deeper  water,  better  signals  became  necessary,  and  a  wrecked 
schooner  was  used  for  the  purpose.  In  the  winter  of  1910  the 
schooner  was  released  and  a  house  built  on  the  land.  The 
lantern,  fog  bell  and  striking  mechanism  were  loaned  by  the 
Light  House  Bureau.  This  light  was  taken  over  by  the  Light 
House  Bureau  May  loth,  1912.  The  average  number  of  men 
employed  was  40 ;  locomotives,  3 ;  engines,  3 ;  derricks,  2. 

As  late  as  the  year  1900  the  sea  wall  was  in  front  of  the 
present  Regimental  line  (Brick  Row),  and  when  the  sea  was 
high  spray  would  dash  upon  the  front  of  the  houses.  A  fine 
level  plain  (sown  to  grass  in  191 1)  soon  stretched  its  hun- 
dred acres  of  refreshing  green  to  the  west  and  south. 

The  estimated  cost  of  this  improvement  w^as  $1,100,000  and 
the  Engineering  Department  completed  the  extension  for  this 
amount.    The  approximate  cost  per  acre  was  $10,000. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Regiments 
Colonial,  Rev^olutionary 

AND 

American 

Regiments  of  the  English  and  American  forces  have  been 
stationed  on  Governors  Island  as  follows  : 

Bnglish 
1756-1772. 

H.  M.  60th  Regiment  of  Foot,  the  Royal  Americans. 

1755-1767- 

Maj.-Gen.  Sir  William  Pepperell's  Regiment. 

1767. 

H.  M.  44th  Regiment  of  Foot. 

1767. 

H.  M.  22d  Regiment  of  Foot. 

American 

1775- 

General  William  Prescott's  Regiment,  the  "Bunker  Hill 
Regiment." 
1776. 

The  4th  Continental  Infantry,  Colonel  John  Nixon  com- 
manding.   Brig.-Gen'l,  9th  August,  1776. 
April,  1776. 

Genl.  Putnam's  forces,  1,000  men,  draughts  from  Colonel 
Silliman's  Regiment,  Colonel  Wm.  Douglas'  Regiment 
and  others. 
August,  1776. 

2,000  troops.  Regiments  not  specified. 

209 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

English 

Aug.,  1776,  to  Dec.  3d,  1783. 

Forces  under  Major-General  Pattison,  Buskirk's  Battalion 
and  other  troops — detailed  list  not  known. 

American 
1794 — Artillery. 

Capt.  Cornelius  R.  Sedam,  Sub-Legion. 
1795 — Artillery. 
Captain  Alexander  Thompson,  Corps  of  Artillerists  and 
Engineers. 
1799 — 2nd  Artillery. 

Implied  in  the  recorded  Intrial  of  Lieut.  Robert  Heaton,  Jr., 
2nd  Artillery. 
1808 — Artillery. 

Capt.  Richd.  Wiley. 
1810 — 14. 

Colonel    Henry    Burl)eck,    Lieut.    Vandeventer.    Justus, 
Adjutant  of  the  Artiller}-. 
181 1 — 1st  Artillery — Major  Stoddard. 
*i8ii — Light  Artillery — Captain  Irvine's  Company. 
1814 — Infantry. 

Lt.-Col.  Tallmadge,  Major  Delafield. 
181 5 — Artillery  troops. 
James  House,  Lt.-Col.,  commanding.     Charles  Anthony, 
Adjutant. 
1 81 6 — Artillery  troops. 

Implied  in  the  recorded  burial  of  James  H.  Boyle,  Major 
of  Artillery. 

♦The  Light  Artillery  Regiment  was  organized  in  1808  and  consolidated 
with  the  Artillery  and  Ordnance  in  1821.  Captain  Winfield  Scott  was 
one  of  the  Compciny  Commanders.  In  this  year  (1811)  Captain  Scott's 
Company  was  still  on  the  Mississippi.  (From  Major  W'ni.  L.  Haskin's 
Mss.  History  of  the  Regiment) 

210 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


1819 — Artillery  troops. 

Implied  in  the  recorded  burial  of  Samuel  Armstrong,  Lieut, 
of  Artillery. 

A  list  of  commanding  officers  from  1821  is  furnished  by 
the  kindness  of  The  Adjutant-General,  Washington,  who 
states  that  there  are  no  returns  on  file  previous  to  1821.  The 
early  records  were  destroyed  by  the  British  when  they  in- 
vaded Washington  in  1812,  and  no  records  between  that  date 
and  1 82 1  are  on  file. 

Post  Commanders 
1821-1922 

1ST  Lieut.  Giles  Porter.  . 
1ST  Lieut.  Peter  Meeendy 

Capt.  S.  Churchill 


1ST  Lieut.  Giles  Porter 

Capt.  Milo  Mason 

1ST  Lt.  W.  Wheelright 
Capt.  A.  C.  W.  Fanning 

Capt.  Milo  Mason 

Capt.  A.  C.  W.  Fanning 

1ST  Lt.  E.  Lyon 

Lt.-Col.  Wm.  McRae.. 
Capt.  R.  A.  Zantzinger. 

Major  L  B.  Crane 

Lt.-Col.  A.  Eustis 

Major  L  B.  Crane 

Major  A.  C.  W.  Fanning 
Capt.  B.  K.  Pierce.  .  . . 
Lt.-Col.  A.  S.  Brooks. 
Capt.  Wm.  W.  Tompkins 
Lt.  John  C.  Pemberton. 
Capt.  Wm.  L.  McClintock 


522 

ASSUMED 

• 

COMMAND 

1st  Arty. 

.  .  May, 

182 1 

ist  Art'y.. 

. . June 

and 

July. 

1821 

4th  Art'y.. 

•Aug. 

and 

Sept., 

1821 

1st  Art'y.. 

.Oct., 

1822 

1st  Art'y.. 

.  .  April, 

1823 

1st   Art'y.. 

.July, 

1823 

2d  Art'y.. 

•  Aug., 

1823 

ist  Art'y.. 

..Sept., 

1823 

2d  Art'y.. 

.Oct., 

1823 

2d  Art'y.. 

.  .  April, 

1824 

2d  Art'y.. 

•  Aug., 

1824 

2d  Art'y.. 

.  April, 

1827 

4th  Art'y.. 

•  Aug., 

1828 

4th  Art'y.. 

..June, 

183 1 

4th  Art'y.. 

.Nov., 

1831 

4th  Art'y.. 

..Feb. 

10, 

1833 

4th  Art'y.. 

.June 

0 

*-> 

1834 

4th  Art'y.. 

.May- 

2, 

1835 

2d  Dragoons. Sept. 

28, 

1836 

4th  Art'y.. 

•Aug. 

26, 

1837 

3d  Art'y. .  . 

.Oct. 

5. 

1837 

211 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 


1821-1922 


ASSUMED 

COMMAND 


Lt.  William  Hoffman 6th  Inft'y. .  .Mch.   23, 

AssT.  Surg.  Joseph  Eatox.  .  .  .Jany., 

1ST  Lt.  E.  C.  Ross 4th  Art'y...  .June    30. 

Capt.  John  Erving 4th  Art'y...  .Sept., 

(Entire  Regiment) 


Lt.-Col.  a.  C.  W.  Fax  XING.  . 

Col.  D.  E.  Twiggs 

Capt.  Justin  Dimick 

Col.  James  Bankhead 

Capt.  Chas.  S.  Merchaxt.. 
Lt.-Col.  A.  C.  W.  Fanning  .  . 

Col.  James  Bankhead 

Capt.  Gabriel  J.  Rains 

Col.  L  B.  Crane 

Major  John  L.  Gardner.  . .  . 
Major  Gabriel  J.  Rains.  .  .  . 
Lt.-Col.  John  L.  Gardner.  . 

Lt.-Col.  M.  M.  Payne 

Capt.  John  T.  Sprague.  .  .  . 
Lt.-Col.  J.  J.  Abercrombie.  . 
Major  Electus  Backus.  .  .  . 
Major  Albermarle  Cady  .  .  . 
Major      Theophilus      H. 

Holmes  

Maj.  Samuel  P.  Heintzle- 

man    

Lt.-Col.  Charles  F.  Smith. 

Col.  Gustavus  Loomis 

Capt.  John  D.  Wilkins.  .  .  . 

Col.  J.  D.  Bomford 

Major  M.  Cogswell 


4th  Art'y...  . 
2(1  Dragoons 
1st  Art'y...  . 

2d  Art'y 

4th  Art'y...  . 
4th  Art'y...  . 

2d  Art'y 

7th  Inft'y. .  . 
4th  Art'y.. .  . 
4th  Art'y.. .  . 
7th  Inft'y. .  . 
4th  Art'y...  . 
4th  Art'y...  . 
8th  Inft'y. .  . 
2d  Inft'y...  . 
3d  Inft'y...  . 
6th  Inft'y.... 


Apr.  30. 
June  5, 
Nov.. 
Aug., 
Dec.  ID, 
Jan.  2, 
July  2, 
Jan.  13, 
Sept.  12, 
Dec, 


July 
Aug. 


26, 

5. 


Sept.   26, 
Nov.    27, 


AU£ 


2, 


July       2, 
July     12, 


8th  Inft'y..  .July  2, 

1st   Inft'y..  .  Aprl.  14, 

loth  Inft'y...  .May  8, 

5th  Inft'y...  .Aug.  26, 

3d  Inft'y.. .  .  Aug.  6, 

i6th  Inft'y..  .Sept.  6, 

8th  Tnft'v....Fch.  16, 


837 
838 

837 
838 

839 
839 
839 
841 
841 
842 
842 

847 
8|8 
850 

85-' 
852 

852 
852 
854 
855 
857 

859 

861 
861 
861 
864 
86.^ 
865 


212 


HISTORY    OP   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


182I-I922 

Lt.-Col.  Julius  Hayden.  .  .  .  loth  Inft'y... 

Lt.-Col.  Henry  D.  WallEn.  14th  Inft'y... 

Lt.-Col.  Thos.  H.  Neill Inft'y... 

Major  M.  M.  Blunt 14th  Inft'y... 

Major  James  P.  Roy 6th  Inft'y.. . 

Major  R.  E.  A.  Croeton.  . .  17th  Inft'y... 

Major  AlEx.  Chambers.  .  .  .  24th  Inft'y.. 

Capt.  E.  G.  Bush loth  Inft'y. . 

Capt.  J.  P.  Sanger ist  Art'y.. . 

Capt.  Thomas  Ward ist  Art'y... 

Major  John  Mendenhall.  .    ist  Art'y... 

Capt.    Thomas   Ward ist  Art'y... 

Capt.  F.  L.  Guenther 5th  Art'y.. . 

Capt.  W.  B.  Beck 5th  Art'y.. . 

Major  R.  A.  Jackson 5th  Art'y.. . 

Capt.  W.  F.  Randolph 5th  Art'y... 

Major  M.  P.  Miller 5th  Art'y... 

Capt.  W.  B.  Beck 5th  Art'y.. . 

Major  Tully  McCrea 5th  Art'y.. . 

Capt.  W.  B.  Beck 5th  Art'y.. . 

Major  Tully  McCrea 5th  Art'y.. . 

Major  W.  L.  Haskin ist  Art'y... 

Capt.  P.  H.  Ellis 13th  Inft'y. . 

Lt.-Col.  W.  S.  Worth 13th  Inft'y... 

Capt.  Luigi  Lomia 5th   Art'y.. 

^       ^  TT   T)  (    1st  N.  Y. 

Col.  Thomas  H.  Barber.  .  -^  -.r  ,  t  e., 

(  Vol.  Inft  y. 

Capt.  Thomas  R.  Adams.  ...    5th  Art'y.. 

T       T^    o    T^  (    ist  Mass. 

Lt.  E.  S.  FullErton -^  TT  A    - 

(  Heavy  Art  y 

Major  P.  H.  Ellis Infantry  .  .  . 

Lt.-Col.  John  N.  Coe 13th  Inft'y... 

213 


( 

ASSUMED 
rOMMAND 

May 

27> 

1865 

Mch. 

7- 

1867 

May 

5. 

1869 

June 

22, 

1871 

Feb. 

26, 

1873 

Oct. 

2, 

1874 

Oct. 

14, 

1876 

June 

30. 

1877 

July 

3. 

1878 

July 

2, 

1880 

Nov. 

% 

1880 

Oct. 

5. 

1881 

Nov. 

4, 

1881 

Nov. 

II, 

1882 

Dec. 

21, 

1882 

Nov. 

7. 

1886 

May 

6, 

1888 

Dec. 

8. 

1888 

.May 

16, 

1889 

June 

18, 

1889 

Oct. 

9. 

1889 

.May 

15. 

1890 

Oct. 

•  2, 

1894 

Dec. 

30. 

1894 

.  Apr. 

20, 

1898 

June 

II, 

1898 

.July 

8. 

1898 

Aug. 

5, 

1898 

.  Sept. 

14, 

1898 

.  Sept. 

19, 

1898 

HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAXD 


182I-I922 

Capt.  B.  K.  Roberts 5th  Art'y. .  , 

Major  G.  A.  Cornish 15th  Inft'y... 

IMajor  E.  R.  Hills 5th  Art'y.. , 

Major  A.  L.  Myer nth  Inft'y.. . 

Lt.-Col.  C.  L.  Davis nth  Inft'y... 

Major  E.  R.  Hills Art'y  Corps. 

Capt.  John  Conklin Art'y  Corps. 

Capt.  Archibald  Campbell.  Art'y  Corps. 

Major  W.  P.  Duvall Art'y  Corps. 

CoL.  W.  E.  Dougherty 8th  Inft'y. . 

Capt.  John  Stafford 8th  Inft'y.. . 

Capt.  W.  Y.  Stamper 8th  Inft'y.. 

Col.  F.  a.  Smith 8th  Inft'y.. . 

Maj.  Francis  P.  Fremont.  .    5th  Inft'y... 

Col.  Leven  C.  Allen 12th  Inft'y.. . 

Capt.  Moor  N.  Falls 12th  Inft'y.. . 

Capt.  Winfred  B.  Carr C.  A.  C 

Maj.  J.  S.  Mallory 12th  Inft'y.. . 

Col.  Leven  C.  Allen 12th  Inft'y.. . 

Lt.-Col.  Robert  F.  Ames.  . .  12th  Inft'y... 
Capt.  James  P.  Harbeson.  . .  12th  Inft'y... 

Col.  Wm.  H.  C.  Bowen 12th  Inft'y... 

Maj.  Chas.  L.  Beckurts.  ...    5th  Inft'y... 

Col.  H.  K.  Bailey 29th  Inft'y.. . 

Capt.  J.  F.  Madden,  Adjt.  .  .  29th  Inft'y... 
Capt.  Chas.  H.  Paine,  Q.  M.  29th  Inft'y.. . 
Capt.  J.  F.  Madden,  Adjt. .  . .  29th  Inft'y.. . 

Col.  H.  K.  Bailey 29th  Inft'y.. . 

Capt.  J.  F.  Madden,  Adjt..  . .  29th  Inft'y... 

Col.  G.  R.  Cecil 29th  Inft'y.. . 

Capt.  A.  C.  Dalton,  Q.  M..  .  29th  Inft'y... 

Col.  G.  R.  Cecil 29th  Inft'y.. . 

214 


Assu>: 

COMMA 

.  Apr.  20 

•  Jan-  23 

•  July  24 
.  Aug.  1 1 
.Dec.  22 
.  April     7 

•  Aug.  24 
.  Sept.     9 
.  Dec. 
.Oct.  12 

•  Jan.  25 
.  Aug.  26 
•Aug.  13 
.  Feb.  20 
.  May  24 
.July  16 
•Aug.  5 
•Aug.  31 
.Sept.  30 
.  May  27 
.June  12 

•  July  15 

. June  29 

.Sept.  18 

.May  21 

. June  1 2 

•July  31 

.Aug.  27 

.Aug.  24 
.Sept.  3 

•  July  6 
.  Aug.  8 


ED 
XD 
899 

900 

900 

900 

900 

901 

901 

901 

901 

902 

904 

904 

904 

906 

906 

906 

906 

906 

906 

908 

90S 

90S 

909 

909 

910 

910 

910 

910 

911 

911 

912 

912 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

I82I-IO22  ASSUMED 

COMMAND 

Col.  John  S.  Mallory 2gth  Inft'y.. . .  Sept.    10,  1912 

Capt.  M.  H.  Barry C.  A.  C Mar.    16,   191 5 

Capt.  Charles  h.  Fisher.  .  .  C.  A.  C July    31,  191 5 

Capt.  Frank  J.  Miller C.  A.  C April     i,   1916 

Col.  John  C.  F.  Tillson.  .  . .  22d  Inft'y-  •  .April     i,  191 7 

Lt.-Col.  R.  R.  Wood 22d  Inft'y. .  .Febr.   18,   1920 

Col.  John  C.  F.  Tillson.  .  . .  22d  Inft'y. .  .April  14,   1920 

Lt.-Col.  R.  R.  Wood 22d  Inft'y.  .  . May    26,  1920 

Lt.-Col.  John  McA.  Palmer.  22d  Inft'y. .  .June    15,  1920 

Lt.-Col.  R.  R.  Wood 22d  Inft'y.  .  July    31,  1920 

Col.  John  McA.  Palmer.  .  . .  22d  Inft'y. .  .Oct.       i,  1920 

Lt.-Col.  Wm.  G.  Doane 22d  Inft'y.  .  .May      7,   1921 

*CoL.  Samson  L.  Faison.  .  . .  22d  Inft'y. .  .July    20,  192 1 
Col.  Francis  E.  Lacey,  Jr..  .  i6th  Inft'y.  .Aug.       i,  1922 


The  U.  S.  Disciplinary  Barracks,  Atlantic  Branch,  were 
ordered  established  August  15th,  1922,  under  Colonel  Julius 
A.  Penn,  Inft'y,  as  Commandant. 

Captain  James  B.  Ettridge,  Q.  M.  C. 

ist  Lieutenant  John  V.  Domminey,  Inft'y,  D.  O.  L., 
Assistants  to  the  Commanding  Officer. 

The  Division  and  Department  Headquarters 
Transferred  to  Governors  Island 

On  July  I,  1878,  the  Headquarters  of  the  Military  Division 
of  the  Atlantic  and  the  Department  of  the  East  were  trans- 
ferred from  the  Army  Building,  Houston  Street,  to  Gover- 

*  Appointed  Brig.-General  June  13,  1922. 

215 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

nors  Island,  in  compliance  with  G.  O.  42  c.  s.,  with  the 
following  personnel : 

Maj.-Gen.  Winfield  Scott  Hancock,  Commanding. 

Colonel  James  B.  Fry,  Adjutant  General. 

Major  Guido  N.  LiEber,  Judge  Advocate. 

Colonel  Langdon  C.  Easton,  Chief  Quarter-Master. 

Colonel  Marcus  D.  L.  Simpson,  Chief  Commissary  of 
Subsistence. 

Colonel  John  M.  CuylEr,  Medical  Director. 

Colonel  Nathan  W.  Brown,  Chief  Paymaster. 

Attached 

Captain  Wm.  G.  Mitchell,  5th  Infantry,  aide-de-camp. 
Acting  Engineer  Officer. 

Captain  John  S.  Wharton,  19th  Infantry,  aide-de-camp. 

1ST  Lieut.  George  S.  L.  Ward,  22nd  Infantry,  aide-de- 
camp. 

On  detached  service 

Colonel  Nelson  H.  Davis,  Inspector  General's  Depart- 
ment. 

Battery  A,  ist  Artillery,  Captain  J.  P.  Sanger,  2nd  Lieut. 
A.  Slaker,  Adjutant,  was  transferred  from  Fort  Warren, 
Mass.,  to  Governors  Island,  arriving  July  2nd,  1878.  Battery 
D,  1st  Artillery,  was  ordered  here  from  Fort  Independence, 
Mass.,  arriving  July  19,  1878,  relieving  the  Garrison  which 
in  April,  1878,  consisted  of  the  following:  Go's.  A  and  C, 
Permanent  Party;  Co.  B,  Music  Boys,  quartered  in  South 
Battery ;  Co.  D,  select ;  Go's.  E  and  F  recruits ;  Co.  H.  coloured 
Infantry,  Capt.  E.  G.  Bush,  loth  Infantry,  commanding. 

Commanding  Officers 
With  the  coming  of  the  Division  and  Headquarters  Com- 
manding General  and  Staff  a  change  was  made  in  the  life  and 

216 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

interest  of  the  Garrison.  The  Recruiting  Service  which  had 
had  its  Depot  here  was  transferred  to  David's  Island  (Fort 
Slocum)  where  it  still  remains. 

Fort  Wood  was  at  this  time  garrisoned  by  a  detachment  of 
the  3d  Artillery,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  J.  C.  White. 

The  various  events  connected  with  the  period  have  been 
mentioned  incidentally.  It  remains  now  to  give  the  names 
and  years  of  command  of  the  General  Officers  who  have 
served  on  Governors  Island  since  it  became  a  Division  Head- 
quarters : 

General  Officers  Commanding 

Maj.-Gen.  Winfield  Scott  Hancock,  July  i,  1878- 
Feby.  9,  1886. 

Maj.-Gen.  John  M.  Schofield,  April  13,  1886-Dec.  12, 
1888. 

Maj.-Gen.  Oliver  O.  Howard,  Dec.  12,  1888- Nov.  8, 
1894. 

Maj.-Gen.  Nelson  A.  Miles,  Nov.  20,  1894-Oct.  4,  1895. 

Maj.-Gen.  Thomas  H.  Ruger,  Oct.  4,  1895-April  10, 
1897. 

Maj.-Gen.  Wesley  Merritt,  April  10,  1897-May  19, 
1898.    January  7,  1899-May  19,  1900. 

Brig.-Gen.  Royal  T.  Frank,  U.  S.  V.,  May  19,  1898-June 
30,  1898. 

Brig.-Gen.  George  L.  Gillespie,  U.  S.  V.,  June  30,  1898- 
Oct.  4,  1898. 

Maj.-Gen.  Wm.  R.  Shafter,  U.  S.  V.,  Oct.  4,  1898-Jany. 
7,  1899. 

Maj.-Gen.  Wesley  Merritt,  Jany.  7,  1899-May  19,  1900. 

Maj.-Gen.  John  R.  Brooke,  May  10,  1900-July  21,  1902. 

Maj.-Gen.  Arthur  MacArthur,  July  21,  1902-Nov.  8, 
1902. 

217 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Maj.-Gen.  Adna  R.  Chaffee,  Nov.  21,  1902-Oct.  26, 
1903. 

Maj.-Gen.  Henry  C.  Corbin,  Dept.  East.  Oct.  26,  1903- 
Oct.  I,  1904. 

(Atlantic  Division,  Jany.  5,  1904-Oct.  i,  1904.) 

Maj.-Gen.  Frederick  Dent  Grant  (Dept.  East),  Oct.  i, 
1904-N0V.  ID,  1908. 

Maj.-Gen.  James  F.  Wade.  Dec.  i,  1904- April  4,  1907. 
(Atlantic  Division  discontinued  June  30,  1907.) 

Maj.-Gen.  Leonard  Wood  (Dept.  East),  Nov.  10,  1908- 
July  19,  1910. 

Brig.-Gen.  Walter  Howe  (Dept.  East),  April  8,  1910- 
July  20,  1 9 10. 

Maj.-Gen.  Frederick  Dent  Grant  (Eastern  Division 
and  Dept.  East),  July  25,  1910-ApriI  11,  1912.* 

Brig.-Gen.   Tasker  H.  Buss   (Eastn.   Div.  and  Dept. 
East),  Jan'y  29,  191 2- Aug.  31,  19 12. 

Maj.-Gen.  Thomas  H.   Barry    (Eastern  Division  and 
Eastern  Department),  Sept.  i,  191 2. 

Maj.-Gen.  Thomas  H.  Barry,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding 
Eastern  Division),  Sept.  i,  1912,  to  Feb.  14,  1913. 

Maj.-Gen.  Thomas  H.  Barry,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding 
Eastern  Department),  Feb.  15,  19 13,  to  Feb.  26,  19 14. 

Brig.-Gen.  R.  K.  Evans,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding  Eastern 
Department),  Feb.  27,  1914,  to  June  30,  1914. 

Maj.-Gen.  Leonard  Wood,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding  East- 
ern Department),  July  i,  19 14,  to  April  30,  191 7. 

Maj.-Gen.  J.  Franklin  Bell,  U.  S.  A.   (Commanding 
Eastern  Department),  May  i,  19 17,  to  August  24,  191 7. 

*  Major-General  Frederick  Dent  Grant  died  April  ii,  1912.  His  body 
lay  in  the  Chapel  under  guard  from  April  13  till  April  26,  on  which  day 
the  funeral  ceremonies  took  place.  The  interment  was  in  the  Cemetery 
at  West  Point. 

218 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Brig.-Gen.  Eli  D.  HoylE,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding  East. 
Dept),  August  25,  19 1 7,  to  Jan.  14,  19 18. 

Brig.-Gen.  William  A.  Mann,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding 
Eastern  Department),  January  15,  19 18,  to  July  31,  19 18. 

Ma  J. -Gen.  J.  Franklin  Bell,  U.  S.  A.   (Commanding 
East.  Dept.),  August  i,  1918,  to  Jan.  8,  1919. 

Maj.-Gen.  Thomas  H.  Barry,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding 
Eastern  Department),  January  15,  1919,  to  Oct.  13,  1919. 

Maj.-Gen.  Charles  J.  Bailey,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding 
Eastern  Department),  October  14,  1919,  to  Oct.  30,  1919. 

Lieut. -Gen.  Robert  L.  Bullard,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding 
Eastern  Department),  October  31,  1919,  to  Aug.  31,  1920. 

LiEut.-Gen.  Robert  L.  Bullard,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding 
Second  Corps  Area),  September  i,  1920,  to  June  30,  1921. 

Maj.-Gen.  Robert  L.  Bullard,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding 
Second  Corps  Area),  July  i,  1921,  to 

Maj.-Gen.  Harry  C.  HalE,  U.  S.  A.  (Commanding  Sec- 
ond Corps  Area),  June  7th,  1922,  to 

(During  temporary  absence  of  Major-General  Robert 
L.  Bullard,  U.  S.  A.) 

Headquarters  Second  Corps  Area 

Governors  Island,  New  York 

August  I,  1922 

Commander :  Maj.-Gen.  Robert  L.  Bullard. 
Temporarily  in  Command :  Maj.-Gen.  Harry  C.  HalE. 
Aides-de-Camp  to  General  Bullard : 

Capt.  Benjamin  F.  Cafeey,  Jr.,  Inf. 

Capt.  Charles  W.  Yuill,  Inf. 
Aides-de-Camp  to  General  Hale : 

Capt.  Harold  M.  Tague,  Inf. 

1ST  Lieut.  William  T.  Hammond,  Inf. 

219 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Chief  of  Staff :  Colonel  Peter  Murray,  G.  S. 
Assistants  to  the  Chief  of  Staff : 

G-i :  Colonel  Ralph  E.  Ingram,  G.  S. 

Asst.  to  G-i :  Lt.-Col.  John  L.  Bond.  Inf. 
G-2:  Colonel  John  R.  Procter,  G.  S. 

Asst.  to  G-2  :  Capt.  Joseph  P.  Cromwell,  Inf. 
G-3  :  Colonel  Harrison  J.  Price,  G.  S. 

Asst.  to  G-3  :  Lt.-Col.  James  A.  Higgins,  Inf. 
G-4:  Colonel  William  P.  Jackson,  G.  S. 
Adjutant;  Colonel  Frederick  W.  Lewis,  A.  G.  D. 
Assistants  to  the  Adjutant : 

Lt.-Col.  John  B.  Shuman,  A.  G.  D. 
Major  Wm.  C.  Rose,  A.  G.  D. 
Chief  Clerk :  Mr.  Michael  F.  Halpin,  A.  F.  C. 
Recruiting  Officer :  Major  Harvey  H.  Fletcher,  Inf. 

Assistant :  Capt.  Walter  C.  Merkel,  S.  C. 
Inspector:  Colonel  Tyree  R.  Rivers,  I.  G.  D. 
Assistants : 

Major  Hugo  E.  Pitz,  I.  G.  D. 
Major  Frank  M.  Holmes,  I.  G.  D. 
Judge  Advocate :  Colonel  Frederick  M.  Brown,  J.  A.  G.  D, 
Assistants : 

Major  Allen  W.  Gullion,  J.  A.  G.  D. 
Major  Wm.  A.  Turnbull,  J.  A.  G.  D. 
Quartermaster:  Lt.-Col.  Grayson  V.  Heidt,  Q.  M.  C. 
Assistants : 

Lt.-Col.  A.  J.  Lynch,  Q.  M.  C,  Exec.  OffV. 

Major  Frank  E.  Davis,  Q.  M.  C. 

Capt.  Mortimer  C.  Addoms,  Jr.,  Q.  M.  C. 

Capt.  Wm.  H.  Mallon,  Q.  M.  C. 

Capt.  Frederick  Felix,  Q.  M.  C. 

Capt.  Geo.  W.  Armitage. 

1ST  Lieut.  Geo.  T.  Liles,  Q.  M.  C. 

220 


HISTORY   OP    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Finance  Officer :    Colonel  Willard  H.  McCornack,  F.  D. 
Acting  Finance  Officer : 

Lt.  Col.  Hilden  Olin,  F.  D. 
Assistants : 

Capt.  Voler  V.  ViLEs,  F.  D. 
1ST  Lt.  Waldo  S.  Ickes,  F.  D. 
Surgeon :    Colonel  Frank  R.  Keeper,  M.  C. 
Assistants : 

Major  Charles  H.  Jewell,  V.  C. 
1ST  Lt.  John  W.  Cleave,  M.  A.  C. 
Engineer :    Colonel  John  C.  Oakes,  C.  of  E. 
Ordnance  Officer :    Major  Selby  H.  Frank,  Orel.  Dept. 
Assistant : 

1ST  Lt.  Beverly  St.  G.  Tucker,  Ord.  Dept. 
Signal  Officer:    Colonel  Charles  McK.  Saltzman,  S.  C. 
Assistant : 

Capt.  Calvert  H.  Arnold,  S.  C. 
Air  Officer :    Major  Arnold  N.  Krogstad,  A.  S. 
Chemical  Warfare  Officer :    Capt.  Chas.  S.  Moyer,  C.  W.  S. 
National  Guard  Officer:  Colonel  Raymond  Sheldon,  Inf. 
R.  O.  T.  C.  Officer :  Major  Wade  H.  Carpenter,  C.  A.  C. 
Assistant : 

Major  Thomas  L.  Crystal,  Inf. 


Chaplain : 
Edmund  Banks  Smith,  O.  R.  C. 


221 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 


Infantry  Commands 

The  Garrison  remained  an  Artillery  one  till  October.  1894. 
In  June,  1894,  the  last  Artillery  command  consisted  of  Bat- 
teries B,  H,  and  M,  ist  Artillery,  Major  Wm.  L.  Haskin 
commanding. 

The  command  was  relieved  on  October  2nd  and  3rd.  1894. 
by  the  arrival  of  the  following  companies  of  the  13th  In- 
fantry— Co.  F,  Capt.  J.  Forance;  Co.  B,  Capt.  H.  Oilman; 
Co.  D.  Capt.  P.  H.  Ellis.  Lt.-Colonel  Daingerfield  Parker 
was  assigned  to  the  command.  He  was  relieved  in  1895  by 
Lieut.-Colonel  W.  S.  Worth. 

The  13th  Infantry  remained  till  April  19,  1898,  when  it 
was  ordered  to  Cuba.  It  returned  from  Montauk  Point  in 
September,  1898,  and  left  for  service  in  the  Far  East  April 
28,  1899. 

The  13th  was  temporarily  relieved  by  Battery  A,  5th 
Artillery,  Captain  Benjamin  K.  Roberts  commanding  the 
Battery. 

A  battalion  of  the  iith  Infantry,  Lieut. -Col.  Charles  S. 
Davis  commanding  the  Post,  was  stationed  here  from  August 
12,  1900,  to  April  7th,  1901. 

In  April,  1901,  Fort  Columbus  was  Garrisoned  by  the  49th, 
52nd  and  83rd  companies  C.  A.  C.  and  the  8th  Artillery  band 
under  command  of  Major  E.  R.  Hills. 

Headquarters,  Band  and  the  2nd  Battalion,  8th  Infantry, 
under  command  of  Colonel  W.  E.  Dougherty,  arrived  October 
12,  1902,  and  left  for  Manila  Feby.  19,  1906,  under 
command  of  Colonel  Frederick  A.  Smith. 

The  Headquarters,  Band  and  one  Battalion  of  the  12th 
Infantry  were  stationed  here  from  May  24,  1906,  to  June  29, 
1909,  commanded  successively  by  Colonels  Leven  C.  Allen  and 

222 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

W.  H.  C.  Bowen,  and  were  relieved  Sept.  i8,  1909,  by  the 
Headquarters,  Band  and  3rd  Battalion  of  the  29th  Infantry, 
Colonel  Hobart  K.  Bailey  in  command,  the  ist  and  2d  Bat- 
talions being  at  Forts  Porter  and  Niagara  respectively. 

Colonel  Bailey  was  followed  upon  his  retirement  by  Colonel 
G.  R.  Cecil  Sept.  3,  191 1,  and  Colonel  Cecil  by  Colonel  John 
S.  Mallory,  Sept.  10,  1912. 

The  29th  Infantry  was  followed  by  the  22d  Infantry, 
which  arrived  April  ist,  1917. 

The  ist  Battalion  and  Headquarters  i6th  Infantry  arrived 
at  Fort  Jay  on  August  i,  1922,  under  Command  of  Colonel 
Francis  E.  Lacey,  Jr. 


The  World  War 

Congress  declared  a  State  of  War  against  Germany  on 
April  6th,  1917,  Good  Friday,  at  3.12  a.  m.  The  Battalion  of 
the  22nd  U.  S.  Infantry  stationed  here  was  by  order  of 
Colonel  John  C.  F.  Tillson  held  in  readiness,  and  at  3.30  a.  m., 
less  than  one  half  hour  after  the  declaration,  it  embarked  on 
boats  of  the  Revenue  Service  and  before  noon  all  the  Ger- 
man ships  in  the  Harbour  had  been  seized  and  their  crews 
interned  on  Ellis  Island.  This  was  the  beginning  of  a  period 
of  intense  activity  by  the  Line  and  Stafif  on  Governors  Island. 
Troops  arrived  here  from  all  parts  of  the  Country  en  route 
to  France.  Camps  were  erected  for  their  accommodation 
during  the  summer  of  1917  which  were  occupied  till  the 
Spring  of  1918,  when  cantonments  were  completed.  Build- 
ings were  hastily  constructed  for  the  use  of  the  Quarter- 
master Corps,  Ordnance,  Intelligence  and  War  Risk  In- 
surance and  other  Departments  and  large  numbers  of  officers 
were  added  to  the  complement  on  duty. 

223 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  most  extensive  were  the  buildings  of  the  Warehousing 
Department  of  the  Quartermaster  Corps.  These  were  erected 
upon  the  Extension  of  102  acres  fortunately  available  for  this 
purpose  and  before  the  end  of  hostilities  was  in  sight  the  Ex- 
tension was  a  complete  war  plant  comprising  two  miles  of 
water  front,  five  miles  of  automobile  road,  eight  miles  of  rail- 
road with  cars  and  engines  marked  "Governors  Island  R.  R.", 
twin  car  ferry  bridges,  and  over  70  buildings,  iron  ware- 
houses with  covered  floor  space  of  more  than  one  and  a  third 
million  square  feet,  with  a  stock  on  hand  valued  at 
$75,000,000,  and  a  daily  shipment  of  over  $1,000,000.  These 
are  by  no  means  the  "warehouses"  mentioned  in  the  preface, 
and  it  is  a  cause  of  satisfaction  that  the  Extension  of  1901 
was  completed  in  time  to  assist  so  materially  in  the  Great 
War. 


Roster  of  Officers  on  Duty  at  Fort  Jay 
August  ist,  1922 

First  Battalion,  i6th  U.  S.  Infantry 

Colonel : 

Lacey,  Francis  E.,  Jr.,  Commanding  Officer,  Post  and 
1 6th  Infantry. 

Majors  : 

Early,  Clifford  C,  C.  O.  ist  Batn.,  16th  Infty. 
Davidson,  Joseph  H.,  D.  S.,  I.  G.  D.,  2d  Corps  Area. 

Captains: 

Spalding,  Basil  D. 
Seamon,  W.  E.,  Actg.  Adjt. 
Phipps,  George  T.,  Adjutant. 
Kelsch,  George  E. 

224 


history  of  governors  island 

Captains  : 

Weaver,  Lamar. 
Long,  Frederick  K. 

Robertson,  William  J.,  Post  and  Regtl.  Supply  Officer. 
McNamara,  Francis  J. 
Franklin,  Harry  L. 
White,  Walker  G. 
Tiedeman,  John  E. 

Hefiferman,  Thomas  L.  (Asst.  J.  A.  G.  2nd  Corps  Area 
and  Fort  Jay. ) 

Captains  Attached: 

Hilliard,  William  G.,  Jr.,  Inft'y. 
Gent,  William  F.,  Inft'y. 

1ST  LiEluTEN ants: 

Flanigan,  William  A.,  Post  Exchange  Officer. 
Applegate,  Edward  C. 
Tanzola,  Vincent  J. 
Ruth,  Albert. 

Captains:  (Quartermaster) 

Guillemet,  E.  A.,  Salvage  and  Transportation. 
Ettridge,  James  B.,  Post  Commissary  and  Q.  M.  Officer. 

Lt.-Colonel:  (Medical) 

Rich,  Edwin  E.,  Post  Surgeon. 

Majors:  (Medical) 

Roberts,  Bruce  H.,  Post  Dental  Surgeon. 
Crawford,  Paul  H.,  Asst.  to  Post  Surgeon. 

Captains:  (Medical) 

Nettles,  Oscar  W.,  Asst.  to  Post  Surgeon. 
Harrington,  James  B.,  Asst.  to  Post  Dental  Surgeon. 


MAJOR    WALTER    RUTHERFURD 


SIXTH    SON    OF    SIR    JOHN    RUTHERFURD    AND    ELIZABETH    CAIRNCROSS 
OF    EOGERSTON    IN    ROXBURGHSHIRE,   SCOTLAND 


"HuiiKinllY  olilific.i  iiw  lo  write  to  yon  on  this  occasion.  Already  the  Fort 
under  your  ciiitiinaiul  Im.s  made  a  very  gallant  Defense  much  beyond  what  could 
be  expected  from  your  circumstances,  both  with  respect  to  the  works  of  the  place 
and  the  Garrison,  composed  mostly  of  Militia.  But  I  must  remind  you  that  the 
Indians  whicli  form  a  considerable  part  of  my  army  begin  to  be  very  impatie^it 
at  your  unreasonable  obstinacy.  Our  approach  being  far  advanced,  your  Works 
much  damaged,  fresh  supplies  coming  daily  to  us,  and  after  what  has  happened 
near  Quebec,  at  Oswego  and  on  the  Ohio,  not  the  least  prospect  remaining  for 
any  relief,  I  am  under  a  necessity  according  to  precedent  set  me  by  Mr.  Mont- 
calm at  Fort  William  Henry  to  Declare  and  Promise  to  the  Indians,  that  if  you 
don't  now  accept  just  and  Iionourable  terms,  that  as  soon  as  we  shall  be  Masters 
of  the  Fort,  they  shall  have  free  Liberty  to  dispose  of  all  Persons  and  effects  fotind 
in  the  Fort.  I  hope  you  will  believe  nothing  but  necessity  could  compel  me  to  this, 
being  with   esteem 

Your   very    humble    servant, 

J.   PRIDE.4UX." 


"Walter  Kutherfurd  cnlered  the  British  army  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  His  Father 
at  one  time  had  eighteen  sons  and  grandsons  in  the  army,  na'vy,  and  East  India 
service.  He  served  on  ships  of  zvar  off  the  coasts  of  America,  Portugal,  and 
.^pain  until  1746.  From  thai  lime  until  iyj4  he  served  as  Lieutenant  in  the  Royal 
.Scots,  and  also  as  Paymaster  in  Flanders,  France,  and  Germany.  At  the  outbreak 
of  the  French  and  Indian  wur,  he  was  doing  garrison  duty  in  Ireland.  He  sailed 
for  America  in  1756,  having  secured  a  commission  as  Captain  in  the  Royal  Ameri- 
cans. After  a  few  months  in  New  York,  he  went  to  the  front.  During  this 
zvar,  he  held  the  positions  of  paymaster  of  a  battalion,  and  judge-advocate  of  the 
army,  with  the  rank  of  Captain,  and  subsequently  Major  in  the  Royal  .American 
Regiment.  He  received  the  terms  of  surrender  at  Fort  Niagara,  and  when 
Montreal  surrendered,  the  keys  were  delivered  to  him.  He  was  detailed  for  duty 
in  New  York  in  the  fall  of  17^  jor  a  short  time,  and  while  there  married.  He 
returned  to  his  Regiment  and  served  until  the  end  of  the  war.  when  he  resigned 
his  commission  and  settled  in   America." 


CHAPTER  XL 

Royal  American  Regiment,  6oth  Foot 

Reference  has  been  made  in  Chapter  II  to  the  Royal 
Troops  stationed  here  in  the  Colonial  days.  A  record  of 
their  service  will  be  of  interest  on  account  of  their  associa- 
tion with  Governors  Island. 

H.  M.  22d  Regiment  of  Foot,  stationed  here  in  1767, 
now  the  Cheshire  Regiment,  served  at  the  Battle  of  Louis- 
burg,  where  Major-General  Sir  William  Pepperell,  whose 
Regiment  was  stationed  here  in  1755,  won  his  title,  also  at 
Bunker  Hill  and  at  Quaker  Hill. 

H.  M.  44th  Regiment  of  Foot,  now  the  Essex  Regiment, 
stationed  here  in  1767,  saw  service  at  Ticonderoga,  Fort  du 
Quesne,  Niagara,  Brandywine,  and  the  Battle  of  Long  Island, 
and  later  at  Bladensburg  under  Colonel  Brooke  and  at  Balti- 
more under  Major  Johnson. 

The  Royal  American  Regiment 

The  Regiment  of  most  interest  to  Americans,  however,  is 
the  Royal  American  Regiment,  H.  M.  60th  Regiment  of  Foot, 
now  the  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps,  60th  Foot,  of  which  H.  M. 
the  King  is  the  Colonel  in  Chief. 


227 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

This  was  raised  in  1755.  the  recruits  coming  mainly  from 
Virginia  and  Maryland,  and  was  organized  on  Governors 
Island  and  for  many  years  was  on  duty  here,  as  mentioned 
in  Chapter  II.  Walter  Richards  in  "Her  Majesty's  Army" 
points  out  that  this  Regiment  and  the  Rifle  Brigade  are  the 
only  Infantry  Regiments  the  Chief  Officers  of  which  are 
denominated  Colonel  in  Chief  and  Colonel  Commandant,  and 
that  a  distinctive  feature  of  the  King's  Rifle  Corps  is  that  no 
fewer  than  six  Acts  of  Parliament  have  been  passed  con- 
cerning it. 

"Their  first  active  employment,"  he  says,  "was  in  1757, 
two  years  after  their  organization  on  Governors  Island,  when 
they  were  engaged  at  Charleston,  on  the  Canadian  frontier 
and  at  the  affair  of  Fort  ^^'illiam  Henry.  The  following  year 
(1758)  gained  for  them  their  first  distinction,  which  com- 
memorates the  share  they  had  in  the  2nd  Expedition  against 
Louisburg.  Nor  was  Louisburg  the  only  scene  of  their 
prowess.  Six  companies  were  with  the  British  force  *  *  * 
at  Ticonderoga.  They  fought  at  Kingston  and  Prince 
Edward's  Island.  In  1759  they  fought  under  General 
Prideaux  at  Fort  Niagara;  some  of  the  Regiment  were  with 
Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst,  while  others  again  were  with  Wolfe 
when  on  the  Heights  of  Abraham  he  gained  Canada  for  the 
British  Crown  and  died  in  the  gaining." 

Here  they  so  distinguished  themselves  that  according  to 
tradition  the  gallant  Wolfe  himself  bestowed  on  them  their 
motto 

CelEr  ET  Audax 

It  does  not  seem  that  there  exists  any  positive  record  of 
this  fact,  but  the  wording  of  the  order  in  1824  giving  special 
permission  for  the  resumption  bears  out  the  theory.  The 
order  was  as  follows  : 

228 


history  of  governors  island 

Sir: 

I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you  by  direction  of  the 
Commander  in  Chief  that  His  Majesty  has  been  pleased 
to  permit  the  6oth  Regiment  to  resume  the  motto  Celcr 
et  Audax  which  was  won  by  the  Regiment  in  commemo- 
ration of  its  distinguished  bravery  whilst  employed  with 
the  British  Army  in  North  America  under  Major  Gen- 
eral Wolfe  in  the  year  1750. 

The  Regiment  has  as  a  badge  a  bugle  on  the  glengarry.  On 
the  helmet  plate  is  a  bugle  and  a  maltese  cross  bearing  the 
motto. 

On  the  cross  are  the  names  of  the  great  Regimental  battles, 
viz. :  Louisburg,  Quebec,  1759,  Roleia,  Vimiera,  Martinique, 
Talavera,  Busaco,  Fuentes  d'Onor,  Albuera,  Ciudad  Rodrigo, 
Badajoz,  Salamanca,  Vittoria,  Pyrenees,  Nivelle,  Nive, 
Orthes,  Toulouse,  Peninsula,  Punjaub,  Mooltan,  Goojerat, 
South  Africa  (185 1-3),  Delhi,  Taku  Forts,  Pekin,  South 
Africa  (1879),  Ahmad  Khel,  Kandahar  (1880),  Afghanis- 
tan (1878-80),  Egypt  (1882-4),  Tel-El-Kebir,  Chitral,  S. 
Africa  (1899-1902),  Defense  of  Ladysmith,  Relief  of 
Ladysmith. 

It  is  a  cause  of  deep  satisfaction  to  realize  that  a 
Battalion  of  this  distinguished  Regiment,  celer  et  audax  in 
practice  as  well  as  by  motto,  not  only  came  from  our  soil  in 
the  persons  of  its  first  recruits,  but  that  it  gained  its  growth 
and  training  in  this  Island-Garrison,  where  it  remained  for 
a  long  tour  of  duty,  and  that  by  what  we  may  now  regard 
as  a  most  happy  occurrence  of  military  routine  it  was 
ordered  away  to  the  West  Indies  before  the  outbreak  of 
hostilities  in  1775-6.  Thus  the  60th  Foot  were  not 
arrayed  against  those  who  were  their  brethren  in  blood  as 
well  as  in  sympathy,  and  the  author  ventures  at  the  close  of 
this  story  of  the  Past  to  present  his  compliments,  with  which 

229 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

he  feels  he  can  unofficially  join  those  of  the  Command  Sta- 
tioned on  Governors  Island  today,  to  the  6oth  Foot  of  1756, 
the  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps  of  1922. 

It  is  not  alone  in  arms  that  Governors  Island  is  bound  by 
lasting ~ties  of  interest  and  sympathy  to  the  mother  country. 
The  Church  and  the  Army  in  every  land  have  much  in  com- 
mon— the  Army  to  protect  and  the  Church  to  bless.  This 
Garrison  has  been  no  exception  to  the  rule.  There  is,  how- 
ever, a  deeper  connection  than  would  appear  upon  the  surface 
as  a  part  of  our  history.  It  is  that  the  ministrations  of 
religion  here  for  nearly  seventy  years  carried  on  at  the  request 
of  the  Army  by  the  venerable  Corporation  of  Trinity  Church 
have  been,  and  are  today,  possible  because  of  the  Royal  en- 
dowments of  the  British  Crown  which  constitute  the  wealth 
of  the  Parish  of  Trinity  Church.  The  Parish  regards  it  a 
privilege  to  minister  to  the  spiritual  needs  of  the  Army. 
From  the  point  of  view  of  the  historian  there  is  an  added 
interest  in  reflecting  that  when  in  the  providence  of  God  the 
existing  close  relations  between  the  Army  and  the  venerable 
Parish  began,  they  not  only  opened  the  way  to  mutual 
acquaintance  and  esteem,  but  gave  the  Parish  an  opportunity 
among  its  other  works  to  pay  from  the  Royal  endowments 
a  tribute  of  appreciation  of  this  very  distinguished  Regiment 
of  the  British  Army  once  stationed  on  Governors  Island. 

Thus  remembrance  of  the  Past  and  loyalty  to  the  Present 
go  hand  in  hand.  The  Prince  of  Wales  Feathers  still  bend 
over  the  pulpit  of  old  St.  Paul's  Chapel  and  the  Coronation 
of  His  Majesty  King  George  V  is  solemnly  observed  in 
the  Parish  Church.  Such  things  as  this  help  to  show  that 
men  do  not  even  in  this  age  altogether  forget  the  deeds  of 
their  forefathers,  and  when  His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince 
of  Wales  visited  New  York  recently  the  Rector  of  Trinity 
Church  received  him  as  his  Grandfather  had  been  received, 

230 


THE     REGIMENTAL    COLOUR    OF    THE     KINGS    ROYAL    RIFLE    CORPS 
ORIGINALLY    THE    ROYAL    AMERICAN    REGIMENT.  60TH    FOOT 

PRESENTED  TO  THE  RECTOR.  CHURCH  WARDENS  AND  VESTRYMEN 

OF    TRINITY    CHURCH.   NEW    YORK 

BY    THE 

OFFICERS  AND  MEN  OF  THE  KING'S  ROYAL  RIFLE  CORPS 

JANUARY    9TH.  1921 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

many    years    before    in    the    old    church    of    the    Royal 
foundation. 

A  remarkable  blending  of  Colonial  days  on  Govern- 
ors Island  with  the  present  occurred  when  the  ancient  Regtl 
Colour  of  the  Royal  Rifles  was  received  as  described 
below : 

BLESSING  AND  INSTALLATION   OF 
THE  REGIMENTAL  COLOUR  OF  THE  KING's  ROYAL  RIFLE  CORPS 

ORIGINALLY  THE  ROYAL  AMERICAN  REGIMENT,  60TH  FOOT 
PRESENTED  TO  THE  RECTOR,   CHURCH   WARDENS  AND  VESTRY- 
MEN OF  TRINITY  CHURCH,   NEW  YORK 
BY  THE 
OFFICERS  AND  MEN  OF  THE  KING's  ROYAL  RIFLE  CORPS 
JANUARY   9TH,    192 1 

On  Sunday,  January  9,  took  place  the  historically  interest- 
ing ceremony  of  blessing  and  installing  the  regimental  color 
of  the  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps,  which  is  identical  in  history, 
in  the  designation  "60th  Foot,"  and  most  certainly  identical 
in  sympathy  with  the  old  Royal  American  Regiment,  now 
identified  with  the  American  Army  of  to-day  by  the  gener- 
ous presentation  which  was  celebrated  on  Sunday.  Organized 
in  1756  under  the  Duke  of  Cumberland,  commander  of  the 
British  forces  in  America,  this  regiment  was  recruited  from 
the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  Maryland  and  Virginia.  It  was 
commanded  by  Lord  Loudon,  Henri  Bouquet,  Gen.  Sir 
Jefifrey  Amherst  and  many  others  of  names  well  known  on 
both  sides  of  the  ocean.  Recruited  to  4,400  men,  the  ist 
Battalion  was  stationed  on  Governors  Island  in  1756  and 
succeeding  years,  a  battalion  being  stationed  also  at  Albany. 
It  went  forth  to  give  battle  in  the  French  and  Indian  Wars, 
with  great  bravery  and  efficiency,  as  its  motto  still  records : 
Celer  et  Audax.  Before  the  Revolution  actually  broke  out, 
the   Royal  American  Regiment  was  ordered  to  the  West 

231 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Indies,  going  later  to  England  and  changing  its  title.  Its 
military  history  since  has  been  always  a  noble  one,  and  from 
Louisburg  to  Ladysmith  and  all  through  the  World  War 
its  shield  has  been  kept  bright. 

The  regiment  has  added  another  star  to  its  record  by  the 
generous  gift  of  the  only  ancient  regimental  color  in  its 
possession  to  the  place  of  its  early  history,  as  a  token  of  the 
fraternal  spirit  which  animates  the  two  countries  of  England 
and  America  as  allies  in  the  World  War. 

The  ceremonies  began  with  a  lunch  given  by  Major  Gen. 
R.  L.  Bullard,  at  which  were  present  the  Marquis  Carisbrooke, 
cousin  to  King  George;  Major  Gen.  H.  K.  Bethell,  British 
military  attache;  Capt.  O.  Balfour,  of  the  King's  Royal  Rifle 
Corps,  military  secretary  to  the  Duke  of  Devonshire,  the 
Governor  General  of  Canada;  Capt.  Gloster  Armstrong, 
British  Consul  General;  Col.  William  Weigel,  U.  S.  A. ;  Brig. 
Gen.  Cornelius  Vanderbilt,  Judge  Dykeman  and  Mr.  Philip 
Rhinelander.  At  3  o'clock  the  colors  were  received  from  the 
Rev.  Edmund  Banks  Smith,  chaplain  of  the  post,  by  a  color 
guard  from  the  22d  U.  S.  Infantry.  As  Chaplain  Smith 
handed  over  the  colors  in  front  of  his  quarters,  the  escort 
presented  arms,  a  fanfare  from  the  regimental  buglers 
marked  the  passing,  and  spectators,  in  large  numbers,  who 
were  present  on  invitation,  stood  bareheaded.  Then,  with 
the  regimental  band  playing  a  quickstep,  the  color  guard 
wheeled  into  position  and,  escorted  by  a  company  of  the  regi- 
ment in  trench  helmets  and  field  equipment,  paraded  to  the 
chapel.  Added  color  was  lent  to  the  event  by  the  presence  of 
representatives  of  several  uniformed  organizations,  including 
the  Veteran  Corps  of  Artillery,  Governor's  Footguards  of 
Connecticut,  and  the  Old  Guard  of  New  York.  Nearly  the 
entire  personnel  of  Governors  Island  were  present  and  in 
addition  there  were  representatives  of  the   Society  of  the 

232 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Cincinnati,  Sons  of  the  Revolution,  Daughters  of  the  Revo- 
lution, Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution,  Society  of 
Colonial  Wars,  the  Loyal  Legion  and  Military  Society  of  the 
World  War,  members  of  the  corporation  of  Trinity  Church 
and  a  number  of  the  clergy  and  many  military  and  patriotic 
societies. 

Arriving  at  the  chapel  the  ancient  color  was  carried  in, 
flanked  by  the  National  ensign  and  the  22d  Regimental. 
Lieut.  J.  V.  Domminey  acted  as  a  special  guard  of  honor. 
Vespers  was  sung  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  assisted  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Geer,  vicar  emeritus  of  St.  Paul's.  The  choir, 
augmented  for  the  occasion,  rendered  the  service,  under  direc- 
tion of  Captain  Halpin,  choirmaster.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Manning, 
rector  of  Trinity  Church,  made  a  short  address,  in  which  he 
outlined  the  service  of  the  Royal  American  Regiment  and  the 
reasons  for  the  remarkable  ceremony. 

The  historic  colors  were  carried  by  the  regiment  in  Canada, 
in  Jamaica  and  to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  In  1818  they 
became  the  property  of  Lieut.  Col.  xA.lexander  Andrews,  com- 
manding; later  of  Col.  Walter  Holbeck,  a  succeeding  com- 
mander, and  Colonel  Holbeck's  widow  presented  the  colors 
to  the  regiment,  now  known  as  the  King's  Royal  Rifles.  It 
was  through  the  courtesy  of  Col.  Lewis  Butler  and  Field 
Marshal  Grenfell,  colonel  commandant,  that  the  colors  are 
now  returned  to  America. 

At  this  point  in  the  ceremonies  the  Chaplain  read  a  cable- 
gram just  received: 

"Bournemouth,  January  9th,  Revd.  Banks  Smith, 
Headquarters  Eastern  Department,  Governors  Island: 
The  King  highly  appreciates  invitation  and  hopes  that 
ceremony  may  further  strengthen  ties  of  friendship  be- 
tween British  and  American  Armies.  Rifles,  all  ranks, 
with  you  in  spirit. 

"Lord  Grenfell,  Field  Marshal." 
233 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Chaplain  Smith  read  the  deed  of  gift,  signed  by  Field 
Marshal  Lord  Grenfell  as  Colonel  Commandant  of  the  King's 
Royal  Rifles,  which  gave  the  color,  presented  to  the  regiment 
in  1788,  into  the  keeping  of  the  Rector,  Church  Wardens  and 
Vestrymen  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  and  to  be  deposited 
in  the  Chapel  of  St.  Cornelius  the  Centurion,  Governors 
Island.  Colonel  Grenfell  added :  "It  is  hoped  also  that  this 
color  may  serve  as  a  memento  of  the  fact  that  th'e  Royal 
American  Regiment  and  the  regiments  of  New  York  fought 
shoulder  to  shoulder  not  only  during  the  many  years  of  war- 
fare which  ended  in  the  conquest  of  New  France  and  the 
subjection  of  the  Indian  tribes  bordering  on  the  Great  Lakes; 
but  also,  after  the  lapse  of  a  century  and  a  half,  against  a 
common  enemy  in  a  more  terrible  European  contest." 
General  Bethell  made  an  address  in  which  he  voiced  the 
sentiments  of  the  King  and  pleaded  for  the  closest  unity 
between  our  two  nations.  The  formal  presentation  of  the 
colors  was  made  by  Emile  A.  Hart,  great-grandson  of  Gen. 
Aaron  Hart,  who  was  commissary  to  Gen.  Sir  Jeffrey 
Amherst,  of  the  Royal  American  Regiment.  Mr.  Hart  wore 
on  this  occasion  the  gold  gorget  of  General  Hart  preserved 
by  his  family.  The  presentation  address  of  Mr.  Hart  was 
as  follows: 

"Sole  witness  that  we  have  to  the  Surrenders  of 
Louisbourg,  Quebec  and  Montreal,  all  these  won  partly 
by  the  prowess  and  bravery  of  The  Royal  Americans, 
may  thou  rest  in  peace  in  this  sacred  House  of  God, 
until  thou  art  no  more." 

The  colors  were  formally  accepted  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Will- 
iam T.  Manning,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church,  and  after  being 
blessed  and  dedicated  were  hung  with  appropriate  ceremonies 
above  the  high  altar  of  the  chapel. 

234 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  regimental  band  played  the  British  national  anthem, 
followed  by  the  American.  The  function  closed  with  the 
rendering  by  the  band  of  the  March  of  the  ist  Battalion,  6oth 
Regiment,  General  Haldimand's,  composed  in  1780,  and 
dedicated  to  the  Honorable  Lady  Amherst. 

The  clubhouse  was  the  scene  of  the  concluding  event  of  the 
day  when  General  Bethell,  as  representative  of  Sir  Auckland 
Geddes,  the  British  Ambassador,  who  was  unexpectedly  pre- 
vented from  being  present ;  and  General  Bullard  received  the 
600  guests  who  had  filled  the  chapel  and  who  pressed  in  great 
streams  to  the  ball  room,  which  had  been  beautifully  deco- 
rated for  the  occasion.  Among  British  officers  present,  besides 
those  already  mentioned,  were  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lloyd, 
D.  S.  O.,  Royal  Suffolk  Regiment;  Major  H.  C.  Fitzgerald, 
Royal  Field  Artillery;  Captain  Gibbs,  R.  F.  Artillery;  and 
Major  Clegg,  who  has  the  unique  distinction  of  having  gone 
through  the  Battle  of  the  Somme  and  the  Battle  of  Jutland. 

The  Officers  and  the  Stations  of  the  Battalions  of  the 
King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps,  60th  Foot,  are  as  follows 
(December,  1921): 

Colonel  in  Chief The  King 

Colonels  Commandant 

Rt.  Honble  the  Lord  Grenfell,  Fieed  Marshae,  G.  C.  B., 

G.C.M.G. 
Lieutenant  General  Sir  E.  T.  H.  Hutton,  K.  C.  B., 

K.C.M.G. 
Major  General  R.S.R.  Fetherstonhaugh,  C.  B. 
Lieutenant  General  Sir  W.  P.  Campbell,  K.C.B. 
Historian — Colonel  Lewis  ButlEr:  Author  of  "Annals 
of  the  Kings  Royal  Rifle  Corps" 

235 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

Officer  Commanding  the  Rifle  Depot 

Colonel  J.  D.  Heriot  Maitland,  C.M.G.,  D.S.O. 

Depot  and  Record  Office Winchester 

1st    Battalion* Ballykinlar    (temp) 

2nd  Battalion Clones 

3rd  Battalion Mhow 

4th   Battalion Quetta 

5th   Battalion Huntington  Mil :   Winchester 

6th   Battalion R  2d  Middlesex  Mol :  Winchester 

Allied  Regiments  Canadian  Militia 

South  Saskatchewan  Regiment 

Nova  Scotia  Regiment 


It  was  proposed,  early  in  1922,  to  present  to  the  K.  R.  R. 
a  fine  Coehorn  mortar,  temp.  George  II,  undoubtedly  brought 
to  America  in  early  Colonial  days  and  held  by  the  K.  R.  R. 
on  Governors  Island. 

The  accompanying  picture  is  of  the  Coehorn  mortar  which 
has  been  for  many  years  in  the  Officers'  Club. 

The  "2",  artistically  entwined  in  the  "GR",  gives  its  date 
as  between  1727  and  1760. 

A  desire  on  the  part  of  the  authorities  of  Governors 
Island  to  show  appreciation  of  the  gift  by  the  King's  Royal 
Rifle  Corps,  60th  Foot,  of  their  old  Regimental  Battle  Flag 
of  1788  to  Governors  Island,  has  resulted  in  the  authorization 
by  the  Secretary  of  War  of  the  presentation  of  this  Mortar 
to  the  Royal  Rifles,  as  shown  in  the  Order  herewith  quoted. 

*Thc  1st  Battalion  ordered  to  India,  September  14th,  1922. 

236 


HISTORY    OF    GOVEIRNORS    ISLAND 

The  following  communication  has  been  issued  regarding 
this  piece  of  Ordnance : 

War  Department 

The;  Adjutant  Gendrai^'s  Office 

June  1 6th,  1922 
In  reply- 
refer  to  Washington 

AG     472.4     Governors  Island,  N.  Y. 
(6.  .  12.  .22)      (Miscl.)  2 

Subject  :  Return  of  mortar  found  at  Governors  Island  to 
King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps,  60th  Foot,  British 
Army. 

To  Through  the  Commanding  General,  Second  Corps 
Area,  Governors  Island,  New  York,  to  Reverend 
Edmund  Banks  Smith,  O.  R.  C,  Chaplain  of  St. 
Cornelius'  Chapel  of  Trinity  Church  on  Gover- 
nors Island. 

1.  You  are  authorized  to  inform  the  Commanding  Officer 
of  the  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps,  60th  Foot,  British  Army, 
of  the  finding  of  a  Coehorn  Mortar  at  Governors  Island, 
belonging  to  this  Regiment  as  the  Royal  American  Regiment, 
60th  Foot,  and  to  offer  in  the  name  of  the  Secretary  of  War 
to  return  the  Mortar  to  this  Regiment. 

2.  If  the  offer  is  accepted  you  are  authorized  to  return  the 
Mortar  to  the  Regiment  after  having  arranged  the  necessary 
details  with  the  Commanding  Officer,  providing  the  arrange- 
ments made  involve  no  expense  to  the  United  States. 

3.  Upon  your  arrival  in  London  you  should  report  to  the 
Military  Attache,  American  Embassy,  and  keep  him  informed 
as  to  the  details  concerning  the  return  of  this  Mortar  to  the 
King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps,  60th  Foot. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War, 

R.  E.  FrailE, 

Adjutant  General. 

237 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

I  St  Indorsement 

Red  Hdq  2(1  Corps  Area 
June  19th  1922 
AG  472.4  (Miscl) 

Hdqs.  Second  Corps  Area .  .  Governors  Island  N.  Y. 

June  22d,  1922  : 

To  Rev.  Edmund  Banks  Smith,  O.  R.  C.  Chaplain 
of  St.  Cornelius  Chapel  of  Trinity  Church  on  Gov- 
ernors Island.  New  York. 

E.  A.  B. 

It  is  satisfactory  to  close  this  story  of  the  relations  of 
the  Royal  Americans  (now  the  Royal  Rifles)  with  Governors 
Island  by  the  insertion  of  the  following  communication  which 
shows  the  keen  interest  for  the  Corps  in  the  place  of  its  early 
career.  In  compliance  with  the  request  contained  in  the 
communication  Chaplain  Smith  sailed  for  England  on  this 
mission  with  the  Mortar  just  as  this  book  went  to  press, 
.A.ugust  31,  1922. 


Americ.xn  Embassy 

London  England 

Office  of  the  Military  Attache 

August  8th,  1922 

From  :     The  Military  Attache 

To:  The  Commanding  General,  2d  Corps  Area,  Gov- 
ernors Island,  N.  Y. 

Subject  :  Return  to  the  British  Army  of  Small  Mor- 
tar left  at  Govs  Isld  before  the  Revolutionary 
War. 

References:  A.  G.  472  (Misc)  Hdqrs  2d  Corps  Area,  Govs 
Island  N.  Y.  May  6/1922 

238 


HISTORY   OF   G0VE;RN0RS    ISLAND 

1.  With  reference  to  the  above  mentioned  subject  this 
Office  took  up  the  matter  with  the  War  Office  and  it 
has  been  referred  to  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  ist 
BattaHon  of  the  King's  Royal  Rifle  which  is  the 
Battalion  which  used  to  be  known  as  The  Royal 
American  Regt,  6oth,  Foot. 

He  stated  that  the  Officers  of  the  Regiment  would  be 
delighted  to  accept  this  Mortar  and  have  already  made 
a  tentative  programme  for  quite  a  little  ceremony. 

2.  It  is  requested  that  if  Captain  Smith  is  going  to 
bring  this  Mortar  over,  he  make  plans  to  arrive  here 
as  soon  as  possible,  not  later  than  the  loth  or  nth  of 
September,  as  under  the  Reorganization  of  the  British 
Army  this  Battalion  leaves  for  India  on  September  14th. 

They  expressed  a  keen  desire  to  have  the  Mortar 
presented  to  the  ist  Battalion.  It  is  therefore  requested 
that  this  Office  be  notified  by  cable  whether  or  not 
Chaplain  Smith  will  be  able  to  bring  this  Mortar  with 
him  in  time :  and  if  so,  upon  what  ship  he  will  arrive. 

Failing  this,  the  Mortar  will  have  to  be  presented  to 
the  remaining  Officers  and  Men  at  the  Depot  at  Win- 
chester, in  which  case  the  ceremony  would  lose  most  of 
its  value  to  the  Regiment. 

O.  N.  SoLBERT,  Major  Genl  Stafif 

By  D.  H.  GiLLETTo,  Major  C.  E. 

Asst.  Military  Attache. 

1ST  Indorsement 
Hdqrs  2D  Corps  Area:  Aug  18,  1922 

To  Chaplain  Edmund  Banks  Smith    Govs  Isld  N.  Y. 

F.  W.  L. 


239 


HISTORY    Olf   GOVERNORS    ISLAND 


Consideration  of  the  career  of  the  Royal  American  Regi- 
ment can  not  close  better  than  with  the  words  of  Colonel 
Lewis  Butler,  "formerly  Captain  in  the  Regiment",  in  the 
1st  volume  of  his  work,  "The  Annals  of  the  King's  Royal 
Rifle  Corps"' : 

"And  so  the  Royal  American  Regiment  bids  farewell 
to  the  country  in  which  it  was  originally  raised. 
*  *  *  Among  all  the  Regiments  of  the  British 
Army  our  own  Corps  alone  has  any  historic  connection 
with  the  United  States :  and  with  all  due  humility  we 
would  venture  to  express  the  hope  that,  although  long 
separated,  it  has  never  disgraced  the  American  name 
which  it  once  bore  and  that  our  cousins  on  the  farther 
side  of  the  Atlantic  may  still  feel  not  entirely  unin- 
terested in  its  career.  Be  that  as  it  may,  it  is  undeniable 
that  the  first  American  Regiment  was  that  known  at 
the  present  day  by  the  name  of  The  King's  Royal  Rifle 
Corps". 


PRJ-:SENTATION  OF  THE  MORTAR 
Left  to  Right 

Chaple.in  Smith... Mr.  Thurston 

A.  Geriorol  Sir  Edward  Hutton,K.C.E.  ,K.C.iV..l: 

Lt.  General  Sir  V?.  Pltoairn  Campbell,  K.C.B 


PRESENTATION   OE   MORTAR 

The  ceremony  of  the  Presentation  of  the  Coehorn  Mortar 
took  place  at  the  Depot  of  the  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps  at 
Winchester,  England,  on  September  12th,  1922. 

The  following  article  (condensed)  descriptive  of  the 
occasion  is  taken  from  the  Hampshire  Chronicle,  Winchester : 

"The  ceremony  at  the  Rifle  Depot,  Winchester,  on  Tuesday 
— to  which  we  made  preliminary  reference  in  our  edition  of 
last  week — though  brief,  was  dignified,  and  eloquent  of  the 
good  feeling  which  now  happily  prevails  between  this  country 
and  the  United  States  of  America.  It  was  really  a  graceful 
act  in  a  kindly  spirit  of  reciprocity,  the  first  move  in  which  it 
is  gratifying  to  know  came  from  our  own  side.  The  King's 
Royal  Rifle  Corps  had  its  origin  in  North  America  as  the 
60th  Royal  Americans  in  the  reign  of  George  II. — Christmas 
Day,  1755,  has  always  been  adopted  as  the  actual  birthday. 
The  Regiment  was  formed  of  4000  men  in  four  Battalions, 
and  General  The  Earl  of  Loudoun,  Commander-in-Chief  of 
the  British  Army  in  America,  was  appointed  Colonel-in-Chief . 
The  Regiment  was  recruited  from  settlers,  and  distinguished 
itself  greatly  before  the  outbreak  of  the  American  War  of 
Independence  in  1775 — they  had  no  part  in  those  hostilities. 
The  Regiment  dropped  its  old  title  of  'Royal  Americans'  in 
1824,  and  was  granted  by  George  IV.  the  name  of  'The  Duke 
of  York's  Own  Rifle  Corps,'  and  six  years  later  became,  by 
order  of  William  IV.,  '60th  The  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps.' 
All  the  interesting  facts  are  set  out  in  the  History  of  the 
Regiment,  so  excellently  compiled  and  edited  by  Lieut. -Gen. 
Sir  Edward  Hutton,  K.C.B.,  K.C.M.G.,  one  of  the  Colonels- 
Commandant. 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

The  1st  Battalion  of  the  old  Royal  American  Regiment  was 
stationed  on  Governor's  Island,  New  York,  in  1756,  and  suc- 
ceeding years,  and  there,  on  Sunday,  January  9th,  1921 — 166 
years  later — a  ceremony  of  historical  interest  took  place. 
Mainly  through  the  courtesy  of  Col.  Lewis  Butler  and  Field- 
Marshal  Lord  Grenfell  the  only  ancient  regimental  colour  in 
the  possession  of  The  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps  was  returned 
as  a  gift  to  the  place  of  its  early  history — in  the  official  record, 
'as  a  token  of  the  fraternal  spirit  which  animates  the  two 
countries  of  England  and  America  as  allies  in  the  World 
War.'  The  colour,  'presented  to  the  Rector,  Churchwardens, 
and  Vestrymen  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  by  the  Officers 
and  Men  of  The  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps,'  was  blessed  and 
installed  with  much  ceremonial  on  the  day  mentioned,  and 
deposited  in  the  Chapel  of  St.  Cornelius  the  Centurion,  Gov- 
ernor's Island. 

A  desire  on  the  part  of  the  authorities  of  Governor's  Island 
to  show  appreciation  of  the  gift  by  The  King's  Royal  Rifle 
Corps  of  their  old  Regimental  Battle  Flag  of  1788  to  Gov- 
ernor's Island  resulted  in  the  authorisation  by  the  American 
Secretary  of  War  of  the  presentation  of  a  Coehorn  mortar 
to  The  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps.  This  Coehorn  mortar, 
tcinp.  George  II.,  was  undoubtedly  taken  to  America  in  the 
early  Colonial  days,  and  held  by  the  Royal  American  Regi- 
ment on  Governor's  Island — it  had  in  later  times  been  kept 
in  the  Officers'  Club  there.  The  Coehorn  mortar  was  found  in 
a  part  which  was  known  to  have  been  the  Depot  of  the  60th 
Royal  Americans.  The  suggestion  that  it  should  be  offered 
to  The  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps  originated  with  Major-Gen. 
R.  L.  Bullard,  who  commands  the  area  of  New  York.  The 
idea  was  cordially  entertained  by  the  Secretary  of  War 
at  Washington,  and  action  was  taken  through  the  American 
Ambassador  in  London  to  ascertain  whether  such  a  gift  would 


HISTORY   OP   G0VE;RN0RS    ISLAND 

be  acceptable.  The  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps  heartily  recipro- 
cated the  suggestion,  and  stated  they  would  be  much  honoured 
to  receive  such  a  token  expressing,  as  it  would,  the  sympathy 
of  the  United  States  Government  with  the  old-established  con- 
nection of  The  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps  with  the  6oth 
Royal  Americans.  It  was  accordingly  decided  that  the  'Coe- 
horn'  mortar  should  be  sent  to  England  in  charge  of  the 
Rev.  Edmund  Banks  Smith,  O.R.C.,  Chaplain  of  St.  Cor- 
nelius' Chapel  of  Trinity  Church  on  Governor's  Island — a 
gentleman  who  has  interested  himself  in  the  history  and 
archaeology  of  the  American  Army. 

It  was  the  ceremony  of  formally  returning  this  mortar, 
which  took  place  on  the  parade  ground  at  the  Rifle  Depot, 
Winchester,  at  half -past  twelve  p.  m.  on  Tuesday.  The 
Colonel  of  the  Battalion,  Lieut.-Colonel  R.  G.  Jelf,  attended. 
The  Riflemen  at  the  Depot  also  paraded. 

The  American  Ambassador  was  unable  to  attend  personally, 
but  he  was  represented  by  Mr.  Walter  C.  Thurston,  Secretary 
of  the  Embassy.  The  other  representatives  of  the  American 
Government  accompanying  him  were  Major  Douglas  H.  Gil- 
lette, C.  of  E.,  Assistant  Military  Attache,  representing  the 
War  Department;  Chaplain  Edmund  Banks  Smith,  O.R.C.. 
and  Major  Chaplain  Herbert  S.  Smith,  U.  S.  A.,  who  came 
from  Cambrai  to  be  present  at  the  ceremony.  The  Right  Hon. 
the  Lord  Grenfell,  Field-Marshal,  G.C.B.,  G.C.M.G.,  the 
senior  of  the  Colonels  Commandant  of  The  King's  Royal 
Rifle  Corps,  was  unable  to  attend,  and  he  was  represented  by 
the  Colonel  Commandant  next  in  seniority.  Lieut. -General 
Sir  Edward  T.  H.  Hutton,  K.C.B.,  K.C.M.G.,  and  Lieut-Gen. 
Sir  W.  Pitcairn  Campbell,  K.C.B.,  also  a  Colonel  Com- 
mandant, attended  with  him.  Those  we  have  mentioned  by 
name  were  the  American  and  British  representatives  taking 
the  active  part  in  the  ceremony.     Other  officers  present  were 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISI.AND 

Lieut.-Gen.  Sir  G.  M.  Harper,  Southern  Command,  and 
Lieut.-Gen.  Sir  Eric  Stuart  Wortley,  Staff  Officer,  Southern 
Command;  Col.  Salmon,  C.M.G.,  D.S.O.,  officer  in  charge  of 
the  Rifle  Depot,  Col.  Price-Davies,  V.C.,  Major  Sir  John 
Lees,  D.S.O.,  M.C.,  Major  S.  H.  Ferrand,  D.S.O.,  M.C., 
Major  A.  J.  H.  Sloggett,  D.S.O.,  Captain  Moore  Gwynne, 
D.S.O.,  M.C.,  Major  and  Quartermaster  Eastmead,  Capt. 
Barber,  Lieut.  F.  H.  Norris,  D.C.M.  (Adjutant,  Rifle  Depot), 
and  Lieut.  Eve.  From  the  Hampshire  Depot  there  were 
present  Lieut.-Col.  Middleton,  D.S.O.  (commanding), 
Lieut.-Colonel  Earle,  D.S.O.,  Capt.  Tarrant,  D.C.M.,  Capt. 
Reeves,  O.B.E.,  Lieut.  Lambert,  M.C.,  Lieut.  Smithy  and 
Lieut.  Breecher.  The  Chaplain  of  the  Garrison  and  Mrs. 
Bateman,  and  Major  Sopwith,  R.E.,  were  also  present.  The 
Mayor  of  Winchester  (Councillor  Stanley  Clifton),  who  is 
away,  was  represented  by  Alderman  A.  Edmeades,  C.B.E., 
D.L.,  J. P.  (who,  as  Mayor  of  Winchester  during  the  war 
period  of  five  years,  had  so  much  to  do  with  greeting  the 
immense  number  of  American  troops  through  Winchester), 
and  the  Dean  of  Winchester  was  present  as  representing  the 
Church  of  England. 

The  'Coehorn'  mortar — so  named  by  a  Dutch  baron  by 
whom  it  was  invented — was  placed  midway  between  the  guard 
of  honour  and  a  table  bedecked  with  the  British  and  American 
flags.  It  is  a  small  piece  of  ordnance,  of  the  usual  mortar 
type,  some  i6  or  i8  inches  long,  and  has  the  figure  '2' 
entwined  in  the  monogram  'G.R.,'  which  gives  its  date  as 
between  1727  and  1760. 

As  Gen.  Sir  Edward  Hultun  came  within  the  area  of  the 
troops,  accompanied  by  the  Secretary  of  the  American  Em- 
bassy and  the  others,  a  general  salute  was  given  by  the 
guard  of  honour,  of  which  Captain  L.  A.  M.  Morris  was 
in  command,  with  Lieut.  H.  C.  H.   lllingworth,  M.C.,  and 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

Sec. -Lieut.  C.  J.  Herbert-Stepney.  The  guard  of  honour 
was  inspected,  a  march  meanwhile  being  played  by  the  Band 
(under  Sergt.  Bugler  Poultock).  After  this,  General  Sir 
Edward  Hutton  and  those  with  him  took  up  a  position  at 
the  table,  and  the  presentation  ceremony  commenced. 

Chaplain  Edmund  Banks  Smith,  O.R.C. — speaking 
from  near  where  the  Coehorn  mortar  had  been  placed,  and 
addressing  General  Sir  Edward  Hutton — said  : 

[Here  followed  a  recital  of  the  historical  events  leading  up  to  the 
present  occasion.] 


General  Sir  Edward  Hutton,  in  the  name  of  the  Secretary 
of  War,  I  have  the  honour  to  present  to  you,  on  behalf  of 
the  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps  generally,  and  the  ist  Battalion 
in  particular,  this  cannon,  which  has  come  back  to  its  own 
home. 

The  guard  of  honour  then  presented  arms,  and  the  band 
played  'The  Star  Spangled  Banner,'  the  officers  meanwhile 
standing  at  the  salute,  and  the  male  portion  of  the  civilian 
onlookers  removing  their  hats. 

Lieut.-General  Sir  Edward  T.  H.  Hutton,  K.C.B., 
K.C.M.G.,  advancing  to  the  spot  that  had  been  occupied  by 
Chaplain  Banks  Smith,  said :  Mr.  Thurston,  representing  the 
Ambassador  of  the  United  States  of  America,  Major  Gil- 
lette, representing  the  War  Department  of  the  United  States, 
the  Rev.  Banks  Smith,  Chaplain  on  Governor's  Island  of  the 
United  States  Army,  and  Riflemen ;  I  regret  very  much  that 
our  respected  Field  Marshal,  Lord  Grenfell,  is  not  able  to 
be  here  to-day  and  to  take  the  leading  and  most  important 
part  in  this  very  interesting  and  historical  function.     He  has 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

asked  me  to  express  his  extreme  regret  to  you,  Sir  (General 
Hutton  saluted  the  representative  of  the  American  Ambas- 
sador), at  not  being  able  to  personally  convey  his  significa- 
tion of  this  gift.  The  Rev.  Banks  Smith  has  told  us  some- 
thing of  the  history  of  the  gift  which  the  United  States 
Government  has  been  pleased  to  make  through  its  War 
Office,  and  through  its  Embassy  to  this  country.  That  gift 
is  on  a  par  with  the  memorial  wreath  that  was  placed  at  the 
foot  of  our  war  memorial  statue  in  the  Close  of  the  Cathe- 
dral of  this  city.  The  two  acts  are  practically  one,  and  they 
are  intended  without  doubt  to  recognise  the  significance  of 
our  Regiment  as  having  been  raised  in  1755-56  in  the  East- 
ern State  of  America  for — as  the  Chaplain  has  reminded 
us — a  special  purpose,  to  fight  the  Red  Indian  in  his  natural 
fastnesses,  and  to  help  destroy  the  French  power  in  North 
America.  The  gift,  therefore,  is  of  historical  significance 
to  us  Riflemen.  We,  on  our  side,  recognise  that  though 
we  are  making  history  with  rapid  strides,  and  many  have 
not  had  time  to  consider  the  past,  none  the  less  69  years 
out  of  the  170  years  of  our  Regimental  existence  were  passed 
as  'The  60th  Royal  Americans,'  and  of  our  battle  honours, 
the  forty  battle  honours  which  have  up  to  this  period — 
exclusive  of  the  Great  War — been  granted  to  us,  no  less  than 
22  were  won  under  our  designation  of  60th  Royal  Ameri- 
cans. We  are  proud.  Sir,  of  our  connection  with  North 
America  and  the  great  Republic  across  the  Atlantic,  and 
we  as  the  King's  Royal  Rifle  Corps — the  60th  Rifles — have 
done  our  best  to  emulate  the  example  of  our  predecessors, 
the  60th  Royal  Americans.  Sufficient,  Sir,  for  the  signifi- 
cance, therefore,  of  this  gift,  from  the  point  of  view  of  his- 
torical interest.  But  behind  this  gift  there  is  far  more 
intended  and  meant.  It  is  that  it  shall  be  symbolical  of  the 
tie  uniting  the  United  States  with  this  country  and,  above 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISI^AND 

all,  the  British  Army  with  the  great  Army  of  the  United 
States — a  sort  of  liaison,  a  silken  tie,  binding  the  two  great 
branches  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  race.  That  the  United  States 
Government  should  have  selected  our  Regiment  for  an 
honour  such  as  this  is  great  indeed,  but  we  recognise  it  is 
merely  from  this  fact  that  we  are  a  unit — and  not  altogether, 
we  hope,  an  insignificant  unit — of  the  British  Army,  and  we 
are  taken  as  a  type  worthy  to  receive  such  a  significant  gift. 
It  is  in  that  viev/  we  recognise  this  gift,  and  also  with  grati- 
tude for  the  sympathy  shown  us  at  the  recent  unveiling  of 
our  war  memorial  in  this  Cathedral  city.  It  is,  after  all, 
these  little  touches  of  comradeship  and  fellow-feeling  which 
go  for  so  much.  We  cannot  but  recollect  that  during  the  last 
Great  War  we  fought  shoulder-to-shoulder  with  the  Ameri- 
can Army,  as  with  the  French  Army,  on  the  Western  Front. 
The  significance  of  that  should  never  be  forgotten,  and  in 
itself  will  make  a  very  lasting  and  continuous  tie  between 
these  two  great  branches  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  race.  And 
all  thinking  men  must  feel  that  if  it  could  only  come  about 
that  the  United  States  of  America  and  the  British  Empire 
agreed  to  sink  all  differences  and  work  together  for  the 
peace  and  prosperity  of  the  world  at  large,  it  would  be  all 
the  better  for  the  human  race.  Sir,  I  beg  to  thank  you  very 
much  for  being  present  here  to-day,  and  for  representing 
the  Ambassador  of  the  United  States  Government  on  this 
memorable  occasion. 

The  band  and  bugles  played  one  of  the  Rifle  marches, 
'A-hunting  we  will  go,'  and  then  the  guard  of  honour  once 
more  presenting  arms  and  the  whole  of  the  officers,  Ameri- 
can and  British,  standing  at  the  salute,  'God  Save  the  King' 
was  played,  and  the  ceremony  (which  had  lasted  five  minutes 
under  the  half -hour)    was  brought  to  a  conclusion.     The 


HISTORY    OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

guard  of  honour  and  the  band  marched  away  at  the  short, 
quick  step  of  the  Rifles.  Mr.  Thurston,  Chaplain  Banks 
Smith,  General  Sir  Edward  Hutton,  and  General  Pitcaim 
Campbell  obliged  the  camera  men  by  standing  near  the  Coe- 
horn  to  be  photographed,  and  subsequently  they  and  the 
others  were  guests  at  luncheon  at  the  Officers'  Mess.  The 
mortar  was  also  placed  in  the  Officers'  Mess." 


EPILOGUE 

History  is  more  than  a  mere  statement  of  facts.  It  is,  or 
should  be,  all  of  this  for  accuracy,  for  truth,  but  many  are 
satisfied  with  statement  as  the  end,  whereas  it  should  be  but 
the  beginning. 

Herein  lies  the  explanation  of  the  frequent  failure  of  the 
nation  or  the  individual  to  learn  by  experience,  which  is  an- 
other name  for  applied  History,  in  that  many  mistake  experi- 
ences for  experience  and  fail  to  recognize  in  the  rapid  onward 
march  of  individual  events  the  slower,  grander  movement  of 
History,  which  is  the  sum  total  of  the  fleeting  figures  which 
compose  it.  These  figures  come  and  go ;  they  are  added  up  by 
the  infallible  hand  of  time  and  are  erased  to  make  room  for 
others.  All  that  shall  finally  remain  is  Result.  We  may  not  on 
that  account  despise  the  fact  nor  the  figure  because  it  is  small, 
but  rather  pay  our  respect  because  it,  so  small,  is  a  controlling 
factor  in  the  great  Result,  in  some  way  contributing  to  that 
"one  far-ofif  divine  event  to  which  the  whole  creation  moves." 

Emerson  tells  us  that  History  is  the  "record  of  the  works 
of  the  one  mind  common  to  all  individual  men ;  that  a  man  is 
the  whole  encyclopaedia  of  facts :  that  the  creation  of  a  thou- 
sand forests  is  in  one  acorn,  and  that  Egypt,  Greece,  Rome, 
Gaul,  Britain,  America  lie  folded  already  in  the  first  man." 

These  profound  words  may  be  applied  to  the  subject  of  this 
history.  If  the  fate  of  a  nation  lies  folded  in  one  man,  it  is 
certainly  true  that  three  hundred  years  of  the  activity  of  many 
men  concentrated  in  one  spot  must  have  an  enormous  influence 
upon  the  community  in  which  that  spot  is  enshrined.  And 
Governors  Island,  the  "Jewel  of  New  York,"  as  the  author's 
friend  Baron  Nicholas  de  Lodygensky  calls  it,  lying  a  pendant 
of  her  larger  sister  Manhattan,  both  by  geographical  posi- 

241 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

tion  and  in  history  carries  out  the  idea  of  concentration  and 
importance  as  well  as  of  beauty. 

Governors  Island  is  a  name  to  conjure  by  in  our  City  and 
State  and  Nation,  both  military  and  civilian,  for  the  reason 
that  it  has  in  its  history  represented  important  circumstance 
and  high  ideal.  Purchased  honourably  by  treaty  from  its 
aboriginal  owners,  it  passed  at  once  into  the  official  life  of 
the  Dutch  Colonial  Government.  Consequent  upon  the  final 
English  conquest  of  1674  it  increased  in  importance  as  in 
value.  The  "Smiling  Garden  of  the  Sovereigns  of  the 
Province"  in  the  piping  times  of  peace,  it  took  on  the  frown 
of  war  when  danger  beset  its  borders.  Governors,  States- 
men, the  Military,  all  agreed  in  its  value  for  defence.  Wash- 
ington issued  orders  for  the  breastworks  of  '76  and  Putnam 
made  haste  at  candle-lighting.  The  literates  of  Columbia 
College  toiled  in  the  post-Revolutionary  trenches,  and  from 
that  day  to  this  it  has  been  a  citadel  of  defence;  artillery  and 
infantry  in  turn  have  garrisoned  its  forts  and  mounted  the 
guard  upon  its  grassy  slopes.  Of  later  years  it  has  become  in 
addition  the  Headquarters  of  Administration,  and  thus  in  its 
whole  career  it  has  exemplified  the  two  cardinal  principles 
of  continuity  and  progress.  In  our  haste  for  results  rather 
than  for  the  Result  we  forget  that  progress  can  be  best 
secured  by  conservative  continuity.  This  would  seem  to  be 
the  lesson  Governors  Island  teaches. 

It  is  a  silent  lesson  and  it  is  to  be  read  in  the  mirror  of 
experience  into  which  he  gazes  who  studies  History,  or  even 
so  small  a  part  of  it  as  this  brief  book  contains. 

Continuity  of  official  life  in  one  spot  for  three  hundred 
years  means  much  in  the  history  of  any  land.  When  it  is 
recalled  that  official  status  on  this  Island  has  prevailed  under 
the  flags  of  three  distinct  Powers,  each  one  at  war  with  the 

242 


4- 


HISTORY   OF    GOVERNORS    ISLAND 

one  following  or  preceding,  and  one  with  both,  it  will  be 
granted  that  the  subject  of  this  history  has  inherited  sufficient 
conservatism  to  explain  some  things  that  harass  the  would-be 
progressive  today.  Our  Island  in  its  story  recalls  to  the 
thoughtful  mind  visions  of  the  shadowy  red  man  lurking  in 
its  virgin  forest,  traditions  of  the  sturdy  Dutch  with  their 
windmill  and  plantation,  of  the  elegant  English  Colonial  of 
the  Charles  and  the  Georges,  and  coming  finally  to  our  own 
more  recent  history  and  to  the  present  day,  we  confess  to 
conscious  pride  when  we  view  our  splendid  soldiery,  whi?h 
in  its  personnel  of  officers  and  men  unconsciously  inherits 
and  exemplifies  the  virtues  of  those  who  under  other  flags 
but  with  much  the  same  ideals  have  trod  this  land  before  us. 

The  three  Flags  of  Holland,  England  and  America  have 
known  the  winds  of  our  Island  since  1637.  This  spot  has 
had  its  part  in  the  forging  of  the  nation,  the  welding  together 
of  materials  differing  in  their  character  but  not  in  their  sub- 
stance. The  work  is  going  on  here  today  of  perfecting  the 
work  so  well  begun  but  never  to  be  so  completed  that  labour 
may  cease. 

This  is  continuity,  and  because  it  is  on  right  lines,  actuated 
by  high  motives,  it  will  receive  the  reward  that  a  distinct  law 
of  nature  prescribes. 

The  purpose  of  the  author  in  writing  this  history  has  been 
attained  if  he  has  correctly  stated  facts  as  they  occurred  and 
if  he  has  so  entwined  the  Three  Flags  which  have  floated  here 
that  while  each  preserves  its  identity,  it  still  lends  colour  to 
the  rest  and  deepens  the  strength  of  that  Flag  we  must  love 
best  because  it  is  ours. 

In  the  great  destiny  of  Nations  we  know  not  yet  what  part 
we  shall  play.  Continuity  on  the  lines  of  that  wis.dora  which 
belongs  to  the  ages  and  progress  in  every  application  to  the 
changing  conditions  of  the  century  or  of  the  hour  are  elements 

243 


HISTORY   OF   GOVERNORS   ISLAND 

of  lasting  power  and  prepare  a  people  for  that  struggle  which 
is  sure  to  come  soon  to  the  weak  and  some  time  to  the  strong. 
It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  Governors  Island  has  played 
well  and  consistently  its  part  for  God  and  Country  in  the 
past,  and  not  too  much  to  hope  it  will  ever  do  so  in  the  un- 
known years  that  are  to  come. 


^E    EVENING   POST  JOB   PRINTING  OFFICE.   INC. 
154     FULTON      STREET 

NEW   YORK.   N.Y. 
J  1562 


